Despite injury concern, fantasy owners should take a flier on Broncos RB Javonte Williams

Although Denver's Javonte Williams missed 12 games with an ACL/LCL tear last season, fantasy football owners should roll the dice on the third-year running back.

The 23-year-old hasn't suffered any setbacks during training camp and he overcame his injury fears in the Broncos' second preseason contest against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. 

"It was like a weight lifted off of me," Williams said of his return in a postgame news conference. "I was thinking it would hurt or something, but I really didn't even feel it."

Aside from dropping a wide-open screen pass on his first play, Williams turned in a solid performance in the 21-20 loss, rushing for 12 yards on three carries and making four receptions for 18 yards.

"It's unclear if Williams will play in Denver's preseason finale against the Rams," wrote the RotoWire Staff. "Either way, it appears that Williams is ramping up for Week 1, which should ease the thoughts of concerned fantasy managers after last year's injury."

Williams, the 35th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, excelled during his rookie season. In 17 games, the former North Carolina Tar Heel logged 1,219 yards and scored seven TDs. Per CBS Sports, he finished with 204.9 fantasy points in 2021, 17th among RBs. 

Without Williams, the Broncos offense sputtered. Last season, it finished 21st in rushing yards and last in points scored, so expect the franchise to increase his workload to spark the unit. 

"He was poised and ready to rock from the beginning of training camp," Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson said of Williams following the defeat. "What a great feeling to see your star running back, touching the ball, making plays, doing what he does best."

Williams is the No. 28 RB in fantasy, via CBS Sports. Fantasy managers who need more depth at the position should take a chance since he's on track to bounce back and could be a steal.