On August 11, 2023, Damien Williams inked a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a new chapter in his NFL journey. However, his tenure with the Raiders was short-lived, as he was released on August 29. Fast forward to October 5, 2023, and the Arizona Cardinals saw an opportunity, signing Williams to their practice squad, recognizing his potential to bolster their running game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The urgency for a boost in their running game is evident. The Cardinals are currently grappling with a challenging season, holding a 1-4 record. While they have managed some success in their ground game, ranking eighth in rushing as they entered Week 6, their situation became more precarious when standout running back James Conner suffered a knee injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for several weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Damien Williams, a seasoned veteran with nine seasons in the league, is now expected to step up and fill the void left by Conner’s absence. His most notable season came in 2019 when he was with the Kansas City Chiefs, achieving a career-high in rushing yards with 498 on the ground. However, it’s worth noting that it has been a while since Williams had a season with more than 50 carries. In fact, he hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown since the 2021 season when he was playing for the Chicago Bears. Nevertheless, Williams brings more than just rushing ability to the Cardinals; he has also accumulated over 1,200 receiving yards in his NFL career, showcasing his versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n