Packers: Dexter Williams enters important training camp

Packers running back Dexter Williams needs to perform well at training camp.

The Green Bay Packers will begin training camp next week and with the prospect of no preseason this summer, one player who will need to make an impact at camp is second-year running back Dexter Williams.

Williams barely played on offense in his first season.

According to Pro Football Reference, he was only on the field for one percent of the Packers’ offensive snaps and finished the season with just five carries for 11 yards.

Training camp key for Williams

During the offseason, the Packers strengthened their depth at running back, selecting AJ Dillon in the second round of the draft. Dillon could immediately be given a big role in Matt LaFleur’s offense alongside Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams.

Green Bay also re-signed running back Tyler Ervin this past spring, although his number one role will be returning kickoffs and punts.

While Matt LaFleur wants good depth at the position which could mean the team keeps four running backs on the roster, Williams will need to play well over the summer and make the most of his opportunities at training camp to have a shot at the 53-man roster.

If Williams can make the roster and give the Packers a change-of-pace option during the regular season, it could lead to an increased role in 2021 as both Jones and Jamaal Williams will be free agents. They could go with Dillon and Dexter Williams as the top two running backs if both play well this season.

But that’s likely a long shot. With Ervin’s importance to special teams, he’ll make the roster and also provide some depth at running back. He’ll also be used a lot by LaFleur both in the backfield and as a receiver.

Where does that leave Dexter Williams? Only time will tell. But if he puts in a strong performance at training camp, the Packers might have no choice but to keep him on the roster.