The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant addition to their running back depth by signing Damien Williams, according to his agent. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed. This signing comes as the team adjusts to the absence of Josh Jacobs, who is currently holding out. The Raiders also have Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah on their roster as fellow running backs.
The decision to sign Williams was influenced by the recent injuries to other running backs during training camp. With two exhibitions in six days and two more joint practices with the Rams scheduled, the Raiders wanted to ensure they had enough healthy players at each position. Williams had already worked out with the team earlier in camp and impressed the coaching staff with his fitness, productivity, and football IQ.
At 31 years old, Williams had a limited role with the Atlanta Falcons last season, playing in just one game before suffering a rib injury. He spent most of his time on injured reserve before being released in December. However, Williams had a standout postseason for the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2019 campaign. In three games, he rushed for 196 yards and four touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. He particularly shone in Super Bowl LIV, where he recorded 104 rushing yards and one touchdown on 17 carries, along with four receptions for 29 yards and another score.
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 98 games, making 16 starts for the Miami Dolphins (2014-2017), Kansas City Chiefs (2018-2019), Chicago Bears (2021), and Atlanta Falcons (2022).
The addition of Williams provides the Raiders with a veteran presence in their running back group. His experience and success in high-pressure situations, such as the Super Bowl, will be valuable to the team. Williams’ versatility as a runner and receiver also adds depth to the Raiders’ offensive options.
The signing of Williams comes at a crucial time for the Raiders as they prepare for a demanding stretch of games and practices. The team is focused on ensuring that they have a healthy and competitive roster to navigate through this challenging period. Coach Josh McDaniels expressed his confidence in Williams’ abilities and praised his football intelligence and toughness.
The Raiders’ running back depth chart now includes Damien Williams, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah, and the absent Josh Jacobs. While Jacobs’ holdout continues, the addition of Williams provides the team with a reliable option to fill the void. Williams’ experience and production in previous seasons make him a valuable asset to the Raiders’ offense.
In conclusion, the Las Vegas Raiders have signed Damien Williams to bolster their running back depth. Williams brings a veteran presence and a track record of success in high-pressure situations, including the Super Bowl. His versatility as a runner and receiver adds depth to the Raiders’ offensive options. With injuries affecting other running backs on the roster and a demanding schedule ahead, the signing of Williams ensures that the team has a healthy and competitive roster. The Raiders are optimistic about Williams’ contributions and believe he will make a positive impact on the team.