Jonathan Williams News

Williams appeared in a career-high 13 games in 2022, his second season with Washington, and compiled 44 touches for 192 yards but failed to find the end zone. With Antonio Gibson (foot) and Brian Robinson (knee) out to end the year, Williams totaled 23 rushing attempts for 62 yards across 61 offensive snaps in Weeks 17 and 18. With Gibson and Robinson both still on their rookie deals in 2023, Williams figures to garner a similar depth role next season and will remain on the outskirts of fantasy relevancy.

Williams got the third start of his career three weeks before his 29th birthday, though Jaret Patterson finished with more carries and yards (17 for 78) with both Antonio Gibson (foot) and Brian Robinson (knee) inactive for the season finale. Williams is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason and should find an opportunity -- be it in Washington or elsewhere -- to compete for a special-teams role and depth RB job.

J.D. McKissic (neck) has also been sidelined since early November and won't be activated from IR for Week 18, so the Commanders will close the season without any of their top three running backs entering the campaign. While Gibson was sidelined for last week's loss to Cleveland, Williams saw a healthy amount of work behind Robinson, carrying nine times for 30 yards while reeling in three of five targets for three yards across 31 snaps. His ability to contribute on three downs makes Williams a more appealing fantasy target than Jaret Patterson, who was elevated from the practice squad Thursday and should also have a role in the finale, but more likely as a runner than as a weapon in the passing game. Washington could also bring up Reggie Bonnafon from the practice squad to provide additional depth behind Williams and Patterson.

Williams was the No. 2 back with Antonio Gibson (knee) inactive and ended up playing 46 percent of snaps, though Brian Robinson had a safe majority of the ground work with 24 carries for 87 yards (and one incomplete target). Williams could have a similar role Week 18 against a tough Dallas defense if Gibson is out again, while Gibson's return would push Williams back to third on the depth chart.

The 28-year-old journeyman has primarily played special teams this season and got four of his five touches Saturday after the Commanders had fallen behind by 16 points in the fourth quarter. He'll have a hard time matching this production unless Brian Robinson or Antonio Gibson misses time over the final two weeks of the regular season.

Williams saw just two snaps on offense while contributing 17 on special teams. The veteran running back has had a limited role this year, compiling a total of 77 yards on 11 carries in nine games. Firmly behind Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson, Williams will likely need an injury to occur to see his role increase.