Jamaal Williams, the guy who led the entire NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2022, just worked out for the New England Patriots this week. Yeah, you read that right. The veteran running back has been out of the league for over a year now, and suddenly he’s back on the radar for a team that’s quietly got a top 10 rushing offense. What gives?
The Comeback Trail of a Rushing Machine
Remember Jamaal Williams? The dude was an absolute machine for the Detroit Lions back in 2022. He wasn’t just good, he led the entire league with a ridiculous 17 rushing touchdowns, piled up 1,066 yards, and basically carried Jared Goff’s offense to their first winning season in half a decade. He was the ultimate power back, dominating in short-yardage situations, just grinding out those tough yards. That monster season earned him a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. But things cooled off fast in New Orleans, where he rushed for 470 yards and only two touchdowns across two seasons before getting sidelined for more than a year. Now, after all that time, he’s getting another shot.
Patriots’ Backfield Drama and Stevenson’s Scary Moment
So, why are the Patriots even looking at Williams now? This is where it gets interesting, and honestly, a little concerning if you’re a Pats fan. New England’s running back room currently features Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, and Corey Kiner. Stevenson and Henderson have been solid, combining for 304 rushing yards and two touchdowns through the first four games, helping the Patriots to their top 10 rushing offense ranking.
But then Sunday happened. On New England’s final drive of their surprise 29-26 upset victory over the Buffalo Bills, Rhamondre Stevenson took a nasty hit. He was folded awkwardly by three defenders during his last touch of the game, limped off the field with trainers, and didn’t take another snap. He wasn’t seen in a boot or on crutches after the game, which is a good sign, but the fact he didn’t re-enter the game to help chew clock in a tight fourth quarter definitely raised some eyebrows. Stevenson is still the Patriots’ leading rusher this season with 163 yards and one touchdown on 44 carries.
Now, working out Williams doesn’t automatically mean Stevenson is out for an extended period. The Patriots could just be looking to add veteran depth to their practice squad. But it’s hard to ignore the timing.
We’re all gonna be waiting for that Patriots’ mid-week injury report, which drops Wednesday afternoon, to get the full scoop on Stevenson’s situation. If there’s any real injury, Williams could be walking into a golden opportunity to prove he’s still got that touchdown-scoring magic. Keep an eye on New England’s backfield, because things could be about to get wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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