The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant addition to their running back depth by signing Damien Williams, according to his agent. This move comes as the team navigates the absence of Josh Jacobs, who is currently holding out. Williams brings a veteran presence to the team, joining fellow running backs Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah on the roster. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Damien Williams, 31, had a limited role last season with the Atlanta Falcons, playing in just one game before sustaining a rib injury. He carried the ball twice for 2 yards before spending most of his time on injured reserve and eventually being released in December. However, Williams had an impressive postseason performance for the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2019 campaign. In three games, he rushed for 196 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 11 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. He particularly stood out in Super Bowl LIV, recording 104 rushing yards and one touchdown on 17 carries, along with four receptions for 29 yards and another score as the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers.
Throughout his career, Williams has accumulated 1,397 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 154 receptions for 1,209 yards and 11 scores. He has played in a total of 98 games, with 16 starts, for various teams including the Miami Dolphins (2014-2017), Kansas City Chiefs (2018-2019), Chicago Bears (2021), and Atlanta Falcons (2022).
The addition of Damien Williams provides the Las Vegas Raiders with a reliable and experienced option in their backfield. With Josh Jacobs currently holding out, Williams’ presence will bring stability and depth to the running back position. His postseason success with the Chiefs demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure and make significant contributions to his team’s success.
Head coach Jon Gruden and the Raiders’ coaching staff will likely utilize Williams’ versatility in both the running and passing game. His ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield adds an extra dimension to the team’s offensive strategy. Williams’ experience and knowledge of the game will also benefit the younger running backs on the roster, such as Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah, as they continue to develop their skills.
The signing of Damien Williams comes at a crucial time for the Las Vegas Raiders as they prepare for the upcoming season. With training camp underway and the regular season fast approaching, the addition of a veteran player like Williams brings stability and depth to the team’s backfield. His proven track record in the postseason and ability to make big plays will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset to the Raiders’ offense.
In conclusion, the Las Vegas Raiders have bolstered their running back depth by signing Damien Williams. With Josh Jacobs currently holding out, Williams’ addition brings stability and experience to the team’s backfield. His impressive postseason performances with the Kansas City Chiefs demonstrate his ability to make significant contributions in crucial games. As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, Williams’ versatility and veteran presence will undoubtedly benefit the team’s offensive strategy.