2020 UDFA: Buffalo Bills RB Antonio Williams injury analysis

New Bills RB Antonio Williams had a college career that was not quite he envisioned as he stepped on Ohio State’s campus back in 2016. The 4-star product from North Carolina never really got off the ground in Columbus, seeing occasional play over two seasons. After getting passed on the depth chart by RB JK Dobbins & RB Mike Webber, Williams found himself as an odd man out after 2017 and transferred to North Carolina.

During his time in Chapel Hill, he began to get playing time with 504 yards and 5 TD’s in 2018, followed by 322 yards and 3 TD’s his senior year. Though he did not get drafted, the potential is still there for Williams to make his mark at the next level. 

Collegiate Injury History

Between Williams’ time at both Ohio State and North Carolina, the only known injury that Williams suffered was a pulled hamstring during spring practices in 2017. There is little information on the specifics, but this did not help his chances going into the 2017 season which ultimately pushed him down the depth chart and searching for a new home. 

During his time closer to home, he did not appear to suffer any known injuries, appearing in 22 games over 2 years. While he is not immune to injury, his power running style could lend himself to injury if he finds himself in the backfield for the Bills in 2020.

Bills Injury Impact

Williams appears in the same position as he was at Ohio State. He has RB’s Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, TJ Yeldon, and Taiwan Jones all ahead of him for playing time. There is little concern for any re-aggravation of a hamstring injury, but considering Williams does not have the ability to go through live reps at OTA’s and must train on his own for if and when training camp starts, this does not bode well for him.

Williams may also be a developmental piece at best, but considering the top two backs are on rookie deals, it seems as though Williams is a long shot to make this roster. He is one player that must get solid preseason tape out there in order to find himself in an NFL facility come 2020.