May 24, 2025

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams is ready for a fresh start after inking a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the team in March. The 25-year-old showed promise during his inaugural season, finishing with 1,219 yards from scrimmage while combining for seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in October 2022 and didn't look like the rookie version in his final two years in Denver. However, Williams recently reported he's finally feeling good after sustaining the injury nearly three years ago. "I feel completely like myself," said Williams. "I probably can get more flexible and things like that, but as far as healing up, that I feel like is done." The 2021 No. 35 overall pick is eager to prove himself, especially now that he feels as well as he did before the knee injury. The backfield is crowded in Dallas, with Miles Sanders signing with the club this offseason. Deuce Vaughn is also still on the roster, at least for now, and the Cowboys bolstered the backfield even more by adding Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah via the 2025 NFL Draft. Yet, it appears Williams is the early favorite to sit atop the depth chart heading into Week 1, considering he's taken the bulk of first-team snaps at OTAs. New head coach Brian Schottenheimer plans to utilize the run more often, so there could be plenty of reps for multiple backs. If anything, Williams seems to be in line to handle most of the touches to begin the 2025-26 campaign. With that in mind, the upside is there, but fantasy managers should be prepared to draft an insurance policy in case Williams cedes carries as the year progresses.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBaller
Source: Tommy Yarrish