A former NFL running back is attempting a comeback, as Jamaal Williams worked out for the New England Patriots this week. Williams has been out of the NFL for over a year now, and last played for the New Orleans Saints --rushing for 470 yards and two touchdowns over two seasons. Williams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns back in 2022 with the Detroit Lions, a season in which he rushed for 1,066 yards and a whopping 17 touchdowns.
He served as Jared Goff's lead back as Detroit registered its first winning season in five years, while Williams established himself as a formidable power back who dominated in short-yardage situations. His performance landed Williams a new three-year contract from the Saints in free agency, while the Lions replaced his production with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The Patriots' running back room currently consists of Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and Corey Kiner.
Stevenson and Henderson have supported what is currently a top 10 rushing offense, having combined for 304 rushing yards and two touchdowns through the first four games of the season. But there may be a reason why Mike Vrabel is looking to add another running back to his roster. On New England's final drive of its eventual 29-26 upset victory over the rival Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Rhamondre Stevenson appeared to suffer some kind of lower-body injury during his last touch of the game.
Stevenson was folded awkwardly while being hit by three defenders, and limped off the field while speaking with trainers. He did not take another snap. Stevenson wasn't seen sporting a boot or on crutches after the game, but it was notable that he did not re-enter the contest as the Patriots looked to chew clock late in the fourth quarter.
We will gain more insight into Stevenson's injury -- if he has one -- when the Patriots' mid-week injury report is released Wednesday afternoon. Stevenson is the Patriots' leading rusher this season with 163 yards and one touchdown on 44 carries. The fact that the Patriots are working out Williams does not guarantee that Stevenson suffered some kind of injury that will force him to miss time.
New England could simply be looking to add to its room and bring in a veteran on the practice squad. With that said, let's take a look at Williams' NFL career. The BYU product was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
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