For the first few weeks of Green Bay Packers training camp, Savion Williams was turning heads. The wide receiver has missed some time, though, and now his absence ahead of Week 1 could open the door for other players on the bubble.
Williams played a handful of snaps in the preseason opener and caught three passes on five targets. This continued what had been a great two weeks of training camp, with Williams making highlight play after highlight play on the field. Despite the Packers' pecking order of wide receivers seemingly being set, Williams looked ready to make a name for himself regardless.
However, that changed during the second preseason game against the Denver Broncos. Williams only played two snaps and sat out for the remainder of the game. It was later revealed that he was dealing with a nagging ankle injury, and unfortunately for the young receiver, he hasn't been seen since.
Speaking to reporters this week, head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about a handful of players whose injuries might have an effect on Week 1, and Williams' name was included.
Savion Williams' injury could open the door for receivers on Packers' roster bubble
LaFleur said that Williams' injury "definitely" and "possibly" could impact his status in Week 1.
Whether Williams will start the year on injured reserve and thus miss the first four games is unknown as of now. While the second-year receiver having to potentially sit out for a bit would be a nuisance, it would also open the door for a handful of young wide receivers looking to make the team.
The trio of J. Michael Sturdivant, Will Sheppard, and Isaiah Neyor have all been trying to scratch their way onto the Packers' 53-man roster.
All three have different skill sets, with Sheppard and Sturdivant likely having the easiest track to making the team. However, if Williams is unable to play and, if he has to be placed on injured reserve, it could allow for more than one of the young players to join the team in a capacity they otherwise wouldn't have.
Even if Williams doesn't have to be placed on the injured reserve list, the team could still elect to keep an extra 1-2 wide receivers. It's no secret LaFleur likes to utilize a ton of them, so having some depth on hand for real games could be something the Packers value.
One thing's for certain: Williams will likely be itching to get back quickly and continue his great run of offseason play. In the meantime, his absence creates a potential opening.
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