UNC Football: Broncos RB Javonte Williams Suffers Torn ACL

Former UNC running back, Javonte Williams, is out for the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL and PCL in the Broncos’ loss on Sunday.

Current Denver Broncos running back and former UNC football standout Javonte Williams suffered a severe injury in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Raiders on Sunday. NFL Network insider, Tom Pelissero, was the first to report that Williams was officially diagnosed with a torn ACL on Monday. Beyond just the torn ACL, he also suffered a torn PCL and posterior lateral corner, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

It’ll be a long road to recovery for the former Tar Heel, as the other damage on top of the ACL will make that recovery process that much harder. At this point, Williams may not even be ready for the start of the 2023 season now, as this injury is one that will take time to fully heal from.

As a rookie last season, Williams already established himself as one of the best power running backs in the NFL. In 17 games, he accumulated 1,219 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns, despite sharing the workload with Melvin Gordon.

After the acquisition of Russell Wilson, Williams and the Broncos were expected to make a playoff push in 2022. While they still reasonably can at 2-2, it will be much more difficult now without their second-year RB in Williams. He was named the Broncos’ starting running back ahead of this season.

Williams is 14th all-time in rushing yards in UNC football history with 2,297 yards. Amongst guys with at least 100 carries, his yards per carry (6.3) ranks second-best, behind former teammate Michael Carter. His 33 total touchdowns also rank eighth-best in school history.

Prayers for a speedy recovery, Javonte!

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