Former Atlanta Falcons running back/return man Avery Williams signed an undisclosed deal with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, according to his agency, the Aura Sports Group. Williams, who was drafted by the Falcons in the fifth round (183rd overall) in 2021 out of Boise State, has not put up any numbers as an offensive threat since the 2022 campaign. However, the 26-year-old special-teamer did have 408 kickoff-return yards and 185 punt-return yards in 2024 over 17 games. He will now be an option to return both kickoffs and punts for the reigning Super Bowl champions in 2025 while also providing backfield depth behind Saquon Barkley, AJ Dillon and Will Shipley. Williams will be well off the fantasy radar in all formats this fall.
Atlanta Falcons running back and return specialist Avery Williams (knee) suffered a torn ACL in practice last week, meaning he's likely to miss the entire 2023 season. Last season, Williams rushed 22 times for 109 yards and a touchdown, adding 13 receptions for 61 yards. The 24-year-old returned 18 punts for 292 yards last season as well, posting a league-leading 16.2 yards per return. He also posted 313 yards on 16 kickoff returns. Williams wasn't on the fantasy radar to begin with, but Atlanta will be tasked with finding his replacement in the return game.
Atlanta Falcons second-year running back Avery Williams didn't see a single carry in the Week 8 overtime win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, but he did catch both of his targets for seven yards in the passing game in the 37-34 victory. Cordarrelle Patterson (knee) remains on Injured Reserve, but Williams hasn't seen much work behind rookie Tyler Allgeier and Caleb Huntley, who combined for 30 rushing attempts in the win over Carolina. With Patterson potentially returning as the team's primary running back sooner than later, the 24-year-old Williams will be pushed further down the RB depth chart. Through eight games this year, he has just 10 carries for 58 yards and a touchdown while adding seven receptions on eight targets for 33 yards.
Avery Williams
• RB
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Eagles
