Broncos RB Javonte Williams will play in preseason 10 months after ACL injury, head coach Sean Payton says

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams tore his ACL less than a year ago, but head coach Sean Payton confirmed Thursday that Williams will be back during the preseason. Payton wouldn't say when or how much the Broncos would use Williams, though.

"He'll get reps. It may be we wait till Week 2," Payton told reporters Thursday. "I like how he's progressing."

Williams, 23, sustained an ACL tear almost exactly 10 months ago during the Broncos' Week 4 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He went down in the third quarter and was quickly carted off the field. An MRI revealed Williams also tore his LCL and posterolateral corner.

The loss of Williams was an early blow to the Broncos' disappointing 2022 season, as the team struggled to find rushing efficiency behind veterans Melvin Gordon and Latavius Murray after Williams' injury. Williams finished his second season with just 204 rushing yards and no touchdowns in four games.

But it was always the hope that Williams would be ready before the 2023 NFL season. Williams said he expected to be cleared for training camp in early July, and he was eventually cleared for practice July 26. He also avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list.

When and how much the Broncos use Williams before the regular season remains to be seen. He rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns on 203 carries during his 2021 rookie season despite starting only one game, but it's unclear how long it will take him to get back into game shape.

But at the very least it sounds as if the team is optimistic he will be ready for an expanded role by Week 1.

Williams also sounds as though he wants to go full-steam ahead in practice. Williams wants to increase his practice workload, he told NFL Network's James Palmer on Tuesday. The team currently limits Williams to two days of padded practice before giving him a day of rest.

Denver also signed veteran Samaje Perine to support Williams in the backfield, and Payton has been known to deploy backfield committees during his time with the New Orleans Saints. Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram averaged at least 157 rushing attempts each from 2017-18. Ingram also split backfield carries with various running backs, including Tim Hightower, before Kamara joined the Saints in 2017.

Payton, Russell Wilson and the Broncos need a fully functioning backfield if they want to rebound in 2023. A healthy Williams is a great first step.

Fantasy impact

The news is an encouraging sign for Williams, who is just 10 months removed from ACL surgery. The fact the Broncos are willing to play him during the preseason suggests the team is happy with Williams' recovery from a devastating injury.

There are still plenty of hurdles for Williams to cross before fantasy managers get too excited. He'll need to show he can bounce back after game action and will need to avoid any other setbacks with his surgically repaired knee.

If Williams can do that, he'll likely move up draft boards as the regular season inches closer. Williams is currently the No. 25 running back among Yahoo Sports analysts. He will likely move higher on that list if he comes out of the preseason healthy and without limitations.

Prior to the injury, Williams was one of the most popular fantasy breakout candidates entering the 2022 NFL season. There's always going to be some risk taking a player less than a year after an ACL injury, but Williams' upside will be hard to ignore, especially if he proves he can handle a decent workload by Week 1. – Yahoo Fantasy Staff