Cheesehead
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- Mar 19, 2019
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The Packers have taken a patient approach with both Williams and 2017 draft classmate Aaron Jones, who was reintroduced to team periods Sunday after being brought back slowly from his own hamstring tweak during practice last week.
The two running backs figure to play significant roles in the Packers’ offense under Head Coach Matt LaFleur this season after combining for 1,192 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 254 carries (4.7 yards per attempt) in 2018.
Williams missed two preseason games last summer, but has played in all 32 regular-season games since the Packers drafted him in the fourth round from BYU in 2017.
Green Bay’s ground game has been off to a slow start without Williams and Jones in the first two preseason games. So far, the Packers’ four other running backs combined for 140 rushing yards on 41 carries (3.4 yards per carry).
The Packers have high hopes for the tandem of Jones and Williams, who is on-board with whatever direction the coaching staff and trainers want him to go leading up to Thursday’s preseason game against the Oakland Raiders.
Hamstrings can be tricky and Williams wants to avoid any potential setbacks. Now in his third NFL season, he’s developed perspective for preparation and the big picture.
“It’s a mutual agreement from both (me and the trainers),” Williams said. “You’ve got to make sure that you’re good because their sole purpose is to make sure that you’re healthy all the way, and you don’t go in thinking you’re healthy and you come back and re-injure. They just want the best for us and want us to be healthy.”
Whether or not he plays, Williams is particularly excited for the game against the Raiders, which will be played at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
The trip marks the first time Williams has been abroad. His biggest goal? To see a goose fly.
“I’ve never been to Canada. I think it’s the first experience for a lot of players,” Williams said. “I just can’t wait to go. It’s going to be a good experience. Really, it’s still a business trip. So that’s what we’re ready for. Just go out there, polish up some things and get better as a team.”