Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams was once thought to be one of the top breakout candidates for the upcoming NFL season. But after a “disastrous offseason,” one prominent Bills reporter now believes his roster spot could be in jeopardy.
ESPN’s Mike Rodak gave Williams a 70-percent chance to make Buffalo’s final roster.
“Karlos Williams is suspended for the first four games, so he won’t factor into the 53-man roster discussion,” writes Rodak. “I put him in this category because his disastrous offseason could put his role on the team in jeopardy.”
Williams will miss the first four games after violating the NFL’s drug policy this offseason.
Despite this, it seems awfully hasty to say he’s in danger of losing his roster spot. After all, Williams was tremendously productive filling in for an injured LeSean McCoy last season in his rookie campaign. He rushed for 517 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns, adding another two touchdowns as a receiver.
On the flip side of this argument is the general consensus these days that running backs are a cheap commodity. Furthermore, Buffalo is said to be interested in signing veteran Reggie Bush (more on that here) and drafted Jonathan Williams this past spring out of Arkansas.
Still, we’d be stunned if Williams doesn’t land on the team’s final roster, despite his suspension.