Despite dealing with injuries, the Los Angeles Rams have designated running back Kyren Williams to take over the team’s punt returner role for the 2024-25 season. While this change isn’t known yet if it’s going to be good or bad for his career, fantasy football managers must decline on the young star when the draft comes around.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has announced that Williams will take on the role of punt returner for the 2024 season. This decision has raised eyebrows among fans, especially given Williams’ expected position as the starting running back.
McVay explained that the move aims to provide Williams with additional opportunities for touches and to contribute to the team’s special teams. With wide receiver Xavier Smith being cut after handling punt return duties during the preseason, the Rams needed a replacement. Although other options, such as speedster Tutu Atwell, were available, McVay opted for Williams, emphasizing their confidence in backup running backs Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers.
Williams’ injury history is a concern; he missed significant time in his rookie season due to a broken foot and has dealt with multiple ankle injuries. Despite this, McVay believes that utilizing Williams in a dual role can benefit the team, especially given the Rams’ depth at running back.
The Reason Why ESPN Placed Los Angeles Rams’ Kyren Williams in the ‘Do Not Draft’ List For Fantasy Football Managers
Williams’ new role as the Rams’ punt returner may have affected his fantasy football value as a running back. In an analysis by ESPN’s Eric Karabell, managers should be wary in picking him for that position.
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“Rams star Kyren Williams seemed almost too good to be true last season. Few considered him on draft day, but he scored two touchdowns in Week 1 and then, after missing a month midseason, handled huge volume down the stretch. What is not to like?
Well, as with Achane, size is an issue and it does matter (Williams is 5-9, 194). The Rams could easily turn to rookie Blake Corum, and they likely will, to some degree, making Williams a risky RB1 choice. We may not necessarily target highly drafted rookie running backs, but they do have a tendency to wreck value for incumbents,” Karabell wrote.
This decision reflects the coaching staff’s trust in Williams and their strategy to maximize his potential. While fans are understandably apprehensive about the risks involved, McVay and general manager Les Snead have proven their ability to make impactful decisions in the past. However, the said move may not translate that well to fantasy football leagues, especially if he gets injured again.
As the Rams prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how Williams performs in this new capacity and how it affects his primary role on offense. The organization hopes this gamble pays off as they aim for success in 2024 but fantasy football managers will have to beg off to prevent any unwanted development in their respective leagues.
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