It’s all systems go for Mike Williams.
Just over 11 months removed from his ACL tear, the New York Jets’ veteran wide receiver is set to make a full return to practice. Ahead of Tuesday’s practice, Jets head coach Robert Saleh told the media that Williams will take some reps in team drills for the first time.
Visit our New York Jets News page to stay updated on the latest happenings.
.@darealmike_dub will start working his way back into team practice today pic.twitter.com/7lhk0cvs9M
— New York Jets (@nyjets) August 27, 2024
Williams suffered a season-ending ACL tear on September 24, 2023, just three games into the Chargers’ season. It ended a red-hot start to the season for Williams, who had caught 19 passes for 249 yards in three games despite missing the final quarter of the third game. His averages of 83.0 yards per game and 6.3 receptions per game were on pace to be career-highs.
Los Angeles released Williams in March, and he signed with the Jets shortly thereafter. Williams inked a one-year, $10 million deal that is worth up to $15 million with incentives.
The 29-year-old wideout (30 in October) is expected to be the Jets’ primary complement to Garrett Wilson in the passing game. It’s a role Williams is already highly experienced in, as he spent his entire career in Los Angeles as the Chargers’ No. 2 target behind Keenan Allen.
Williams gradually found his footing in the role and began hitting new levels of production later in his career. Since 2021, Williams has recorded 158 receptions, 2,290 receiving yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns in 32 games. That amounts to a rate of 84 receptions, 1,217 yards, and 7 touchdowns per 17 games.
If he’s healthy, Williams has proven he can be a big-time producer in his role as the No. 2 receiver. With Williams making a full return to practice 13 days out from the season opener, it sure seems like he’ll be in good shape once the regular season arrives.
It might take Williams a few games to shake off the rust and get back into peak form, but the Jets couldn’t have asked for Williams’ recovery to go any better up to this point.
