Karlos Williams injury leaves Bills thin at RB
After being hospitalized earlier this week, reports emerged on Tuesday that Buffalo Bills rookie running back Karlos Williams will miss several weeks.
On Friday, rookie running back Karlos Williams rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for 23 yards for the Buffalo Bills during their preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. Due to injuries at the position, there was a realistic possibility that Williams would take over the No. 2 running back job, behind starter LeSean McCoy.
This week, however, an undisclosed injury has eliminated that possibility. The former Florida State star will be out for ‘multiple weeks’, according to the Buffalo News.
Williams was rushed to the hospital after waking up on Monday morning in severe pain, and all reports indicate that the ‘serious’ injury will keep him sidelined for at least a month.
The news of the injury comes at a bad time for both Williams and the Bills. Buffalo can use all the help they can get at the running back position, with Anthony Dixon, Bryce Brown and Fred Jackson all sidelined with injuries.
Meanwhile, Williams had been enthusiastic this weekend in regards to his outlook with the team, as an impressive training camp had him moving up the depth chart. He was prepared to seize the opportunity ahead of him.
"“There’s a really good chance,” Williams told the Buffalo News this weekend in regards to his chances to take over the No. 2 running back job. “But it’s part of the process. There are always ups and downs during camp. You never know who’s going to come back and how long guys are going to be out. You’ve just got to be able to take advantage of the opportunity in front of you every day. I’m going to continue to do that and hopefully that builds trust and confidence within the coaches in me to be able to play early.”"
At Florida State, William moved to running back before his junior season, where he would accumulate 1,747 yards from scrimmage and 23 total touchdowns over the course of the next two seasons.
During his first two years with the Seminoles, he moved between linebacker and safety, as well as serving as a return specialist. This versatility should help Williams find some playing time once he returns, with special teams being an option if the backfield becomes too crowded.
In an attempt to add some depth to an extremely thin position on the depth chart, the Bills have signed undrafted rookie running back Ricky Seale to fill the void created by recent injuries.