Damien Williams Fantasy

Chicago Bears running back Damien Williams carried the ball three times for only five yards and caught one pass for three yards in the Bears Week 7 loss to the Buccaneers. It was an awful day at the office for the Bears offense and Williams returned to action after missing last week due to a positive COVID test. The veteran hadn't practiced in two weeks and was able to play some snaps in this game but his absence has allowed rookie Khalil Herbert to take control of the RB1 duties in the Bears offense. Williams should see more touches next week but has been passed on the depth chart by Herbert moving forward.

Oct. 24th • 8:50 PM

The Chicago Bears activated running back Damien Williams from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Saturday. In other Bears news, defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (groin) has been downgraded to out for Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Williams missed the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers, but he will presumably return to lead-back duties this Sunday against a strong Tampa run defense. They've allowed just 82 rushing yards and no rushing touchdowns on 22 carries to RBs in the last three weeks. Williams had 16 carries (two fewer than rookie Khalil Herbert) for 64 yards and a touchdown in Week 5. Herbert himself has 37 totes for 172 yards and a touchdown while also catching two passes for 15 yards the last two weeks. Even with Williams returning, the rookie could have flex appeal in deeper leagues and DFS.

Oct. 23rd • 1:49 PM

Chicago Bears running back Damien Williams, who is on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, missed practice again on Thursday and can't be cleared until Saturday, at the earliest. Williams is not vaccinated and there is a mandatory 10-day waiting period. The 29-year-old tested positive for the virus and wasn't able to play in the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers, and now he's in danger of missing his second straight game. Rookie Khalil Herbert took control of the backfield with a season-high 19 carries for 97 yards and his first career touchdown while also catching two passes for 15 additional yards. Herbert should have a role regardless of whether Williams is active, but he'll be on the RB2/3 borderline if Williams doesn't get clearance to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Oct. 21st • 4:59 PM