Falcons’ Damien Williams Unavailable Due to Rib Injury

Damien Williams with Kansas City in 2019
Damien Williams with Kansas City in 2019. Photo by Thurman James/CSM/Shutterstock (10415138ae)

Atlanta Falcons running back Damien Williams has been placed on injured reserve, the team announced on Saturday. This came after Williams incurred a rib injury.

The running back suffered his injury during the second drive of the Falcons’ season opener against the New Orleans Saints last Sunday as a defensive lineman fell on him. Although Williams returned to action in the fourth quarter to play in 10 snaps, he was not able to prevent his side from suffering a narrow 27-26 defeat.

Williams is expected to be out for at least a month, meaning that Atlanta will most likely have to rely on the skills of rookie running back Tyler Allgeier, the team’s fifth-round draft pick out of BYU. While Allgeier did train during the preseason with the first team, he was absent from the Falcons’ lineup for the season opener.

Alternatively, the Falcons could look to former cornerback Avery Williams, who transitioned to the running back position during the offseason and is also the team’s punt returner. Caleb Huntley is another viable option, having been elevated from the practice squad.

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