Mike Williams made significant progress in his return this week.
The New York Jets wide receiver is looking likely to play in the season opener after joining team drills for the first time since he tore the ACL in his left knee while with the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 last season.
“I think he had like four or five catches and well over 100 yards,” coach Robert Saleh said Thursday. “But I thought he had a really nice day today.”
Williams was taken off the physically unable to perform list on August 7 and had been involved in individual drills and running routes on the side.
“I feel good,” Williams said. “I mean, it’s what I expected. I was putting the work in this whole time to make myself available to perform this season. So it’s all paying off at the right time.”
Saleh mentioned that Williams will be ready to play against San Francisco on September 9, but it wouldn’t be realistic to expect him to be fully back to his best.
“We’re going to be very smart with how we use him,” Saleh said. “But he’s going to be plenty available to make his mark felt.”
Williams said the team hasn’t discussed how much he might play in the opener yet.
“I mean, I’m ready for whatever, though,” he said. “Whenever my number is called, I’ll be ready. I’m preparing to play the whole game or whatever they need from me.”
The 29-year-old Williams signed a one-year deal with the Jets in March and is expected to team up with Garrett Wilson to give Aaron Rodgers two experienced playmaking wide receivers. This has Williams hopeful about how effective New York’s offense could be this season.
