Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams. Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos RB Javonte Williams suffers season-ending ACL tear

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 3, 2022 1:56 PM ET

Denver Broncos second-year running back Javonte Williams suffered a season-ending right ACL tear in a 32-23 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders, per NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.

#Broncos RB Javonte Williams suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s loss to the #Raiders, per source. His season is over. pic.twitter.com/4z8SgHnPhr
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 3, 2022

Willams' injury is a gut-punch to the Broncos' offense. Through four games, he had 207 yards rushing (4.3 yards per carry) and 77 yards receiving. Last season he was second in the NFL in broken tackles, per Pro Football Focus.

Running back Melvin Gordon III could step into the starting role, and Mike Boone could serve as the primary backup. Gordon III has fumbled four times this season, including a 68-yard scoop-and-score against the Raiders. Boone has started two games in five seasons.

The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport wrote that Williams' MRI also revealed a torn LCL, which could mean a lengthy rehab. (For more on LCL injuries click here.)

Not only does #Broncos RB Javonte Williams have a torn ACL, but the MRI revealed a a torn LCL and posterior lateral corner, sources say. A significant injury and a long road back.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2022

The Broncos might have to dip into the free-agent pool or make a trade to fortify depth at the position.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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