Mike Williams is getting closer to being fully ready to play for the New York Jets.
The experienced wide receiver was taken off the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 7 and has since been taking part in individual drills and running routes on the side. Williams feels good and is now aiming to reach the next step in his recovery from a torn ACL.
“I think next week I’m going to be doing some team (drills),” Williams said Monday. “Just getting in the rhythm of doing things with the team and lining up and going through some plays.”
Williams, who is 29 years old, was injured in the third week of last season while playing for the Chargers. He signed a one-year contract with the Jets in March, with the hope that he and Garrett Wilson could become key playmakers for Aaron Rodgers.
Williams is eager to get on the field for full practices and to play in games again.
“I’m always excited,” he said. “This is what we do. I mean, we play football. So whenever you get an opportunity to go out there, you’re itching for it. So I’m excited for the opportunity to get in, get some reps with the QBs and see how far this thing goes.”
During seven seasons with the Chargers, Williams caught 309 passes for 4,806 yards, averaging 15.6 yards per catch with 31 touchdowns. With the Jets, Williams hopes to be “another playmaker” and provide a reliable downfield option.
“I feel like I can make plays, whether it’s down the field, between the hashes, outside the numbers — it don’t matter,” Williams said. “Just make plays. Be a physical guy in the running game. Just add another element to the offense, another threat.”
