Javonte Williams Was "Close" To Playing Last Week

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (quadriceps) was "close" to playing in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets, according to head coach Sean Payton. Payton hinted that if it had been a playoff game, Williams might have been able to play. The Broncos rested Williams out of an abundance of caution after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 4 of 2022. The 23-year-old was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report and was a full-go at Tuesday's walkthrough, so he will have a chance to return on a short week this Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs. A Williams return would put a damper on rookie Jaleel McLaughlin's and Samaje Perine's fantasy upside. Williams has been a disappointment so far this year as an RB3/flex and he's still searching for his first touchdown.