Jets Standout DT Quinnen Williams Done for the Season

Quinnen Williams with the New York Jets in 2019. Photo by Duncan Williams/CSM/Shutterstock (10354653n)

New York Jets standout defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is forced to finish his breakthrough NFL season earlier than he wanted to. Williams was placed on the injured reserve due to a neck injury and possible concussion, with the team confirming the move on Wednesday.

Williams got hurt in the Jets’ upset win over the LA Rams on Sunday, being forced to leave the game in the third quarter.

The absence of Williams will be a big issue for the Jets in Week 16 against the Cleveland Browns. The 23-year-old player was one of the rare bright spots for the struggling Jets’ defense in 2020, leading the team with 7 sacks while adding 55 tackles, 14 QB hits, and two forced fumbles.

Jets drafted Quinnen Williams with the third overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft with hopes that he could solve their D-line issues. It didn’t look like a smart choice after Williams’ rookie season, as the Alabama product struggled to make an impact and be disruptive. He finished his pro season with just 2.5 sacks and 28 tackles.

This year, however, Williams looks more comfortable in his role, and it showed on the field. He made some big plays for the Jets while establishing himself as one of the best young linemen in rush defense.

“Last year, I felt like there would be a couple of games in a row where you didn’t really feel him,” said Jets’ head coach Adam Gase. “But this year, I felt like the high majority of the game you felt him. If you were on the other team, you felt him whether you were playing quarterback or in the running game.”

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