Cowboys RB Javonte Williams addresses knee recovery

Javonte Williams showed plenty of potential during his rookie season. A 2022 knee injury, which included ACL and LCL tears, has proven to be a major hindrance since then, however.

Williams was limited to just four games in his second Broncos campaign as a result of the injury, and he was unable to regain his previous efficiency during the 2023 and ’24 seasons (3.6, then 3.7 yards per carry). While the former second-round pick wanted to remain in Denver, it came as little surprise when he departed in free agency. The Cowboys added him on a one-year, $3M pact as part of their backfield renovations.

The terms of that deal illustrate the extent to which Williams’ value was impacted by the injury and its lingering effects. The 25-year-old managed to play 16 games in his first season upon returning to action and he appeared in every contest last year. Williams nevertheless feels better now than he did at any point over the past two years.

“I feel completely like myself,” he said (via the team’s website). “I probably can get more flexible and things like that, but as far as healing up, that I feel like is done. It just depends on who you are, it depends on your body… mine might take this amount of time, but somebody else might be different.”

There are of course plenty of examples of players enjoying a true return to form during their second season after a major injury like an ACL tear. Williams’ underwhelming showing in 2024 (859 scrimmage yards, four total touchdowns) came about while he handled a similar snap share to the other three years of his career, however. With a drop in workload not contributing to his statistical output, the North Carolina product will aim to spark a resurgence in Dallas another year removed from the injury.

The Cowboys also inked Miles Sanders to a one-year pact, meaning he will look to help replace Rico Dowdle‘s production in 2025. Rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will provide depth to a backfield that is unlikely to see any further additions at this point in the offseason. If Williams is able to rebound this year, a much more lucrative free agent market will await him next spring.