Broncos running back Javonte Williams says he’s ‘ready to go’ after recovering from a torn ACL

After his 2022 season ended prematurely due to a torn ACL, Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams is ready to return to the field.

During a football camp he hosted with teammate Patrick Surtain II, Williams was asked if he was going to be cleared for the beginning of training camp.

‘I mean, that’s the plan. I feel like I’m ready to go,’ Williams replied.

The second-round pick from the 2021 NFL draft was set to have a significant year with the Broncos before he suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

But in recent weeks, Williams has been able to work with Denver’s strength and conditioning staff as well as the trainers to get ready for the upcoming season. 

Williams’ season ended in Week 4 when he tore his ACL and LCL in a game against the Raiders

Williams hopes that he can return to the form that earned him an All-Rookie team spot in 2021

‘It’s just all about the evaluation, how the Broncos feel about it,” Williams said. ‘… Just seeing how I feel, moving, just trying to get my speed back to normal, things like that.’

Surtain even chipped in, saying, ‘Vonte looks good, I can’t wait for him to get back out there and play with the fellas.’

Denver’s new head coach, Sean Payton, has been saying throughout the offseason that he believes Williams will be ready for the beginning of training camp.

As a rookie, Williams rushed for 903 yards – earning him a spot on 2021’s All-Rookie team. Prior to his injury, he had accumulated 204 yards on the ground on 47 carries.

Williams says he’s been speaking to current and former teammates that have suffered serious ACL injuries in their career for advice and support. 

‘Just the mental part, being to be able to move like you have your whole life,” Williams said. ‘For the first two months, you’re just kind of sitting in bed trying to get it to bend all over again. 

‘That’s the hardest part. [But] that’s who I got to be, that’s who I’ve been my whole life. I don’t want to get back on the field playing scared or timid, so when I do get back out there, I want to be 100%.” 

In the case that Williams suffers a set back, free agent signing Samaje Perine will likely step in for him.