First in line for lead role

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said the starting job at running back is Williams' to lose, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: Williams emerged over Spencer Ware after Kareem Hunt was released, scoring 10 touchdowns over the final six games of the season (including playoffs). The Chiefs rewarded Williams with a two-year, $5.1 million extension Dec. 27, while Ware is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. The team figures to bring in backfield help via the draft and/or free agency, but Williams should still be on track to open training camp with the first-team offense. Given that Tyreek Hill may soon…read more

Scores three touchdowns

Williams carried 10 times for 30 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 37-31 AFC Championship Game overtime loss to the Patriots. He also caught five of eight targets for 66 yards and two more touchdowns.

Analysis: Williams managed just 3.0 yards per carry against a respectable New England front, but he was utilized often as a receiver and nearly reached 100 scrimmage yards. He enjoyed a tremendous fourth quarter, scoring on a one-yard reception, a 23-yard grab and a two-yard run to help his team climb all the way back into the game. Williams was outstanding during the postseason, piling up 154 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in two games. He signed an extension with Kansas City in December and will…read more

Tallies 154 yards in win

Williams ran for 129 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries and added 25 yards and five catches during Saturday's 31-13 win over the Colts. He was seen on the sideline having his feet and ankles taped up, but he stayed in through the Chiefs' final drive.

Analysis: Sophomore sensation Patrick Mahomes will get a lot of the headlines heading into the AFC Championship Game, but Williams deserves a ton of the credit. Playing against a Colts team that was sporadic at best on offense, Williams wore Indy's defense down early. He sliced and diced for a 10-yard touchdown on the Chiefs' opening possession and easily converted a fourth and short on the very next drive. How he performs, particularly if the weather is a factor, in the AFC Championship Game will be a…read more

Will remain starting RB

Williams will start Saturday versus the Colts, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: Spencer Ware gave it the old college try in effort to play for the first time since Week 14, but his hamstring didn't pass the requisite tests during a pregame warmup. With inactive status confirmed for Ware, Williams will work as the Chiefs' lead back, which previously translated to 48 touches for 322 yards and four TDs in three games to close out the regular season. Behind Williams, fellow running backs Darrel Williams and Charcandrick West will receive any reps that linger.

Finishes regular season strong

Williams picked up 51 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries and caught one pass for eight yards during Week 17 against the Raiders.

Analysis: Williams has emerged as a key piece for the Chiefs out of the backfield with Spencer Ware (hamstring) sidelined, and he'll likely factor into the Chiefs' playoff plans after averaging 6.0 yards per carry and notching three rushing touchdowns and four total scores in the final three games of the season. He's also proven to be a capable receiver, snaring 18 passes for 135 yards and two scores over the final four contests. Consequently, Williams could be a sneaky option in playoff pools.

Will fill in for Ware again

With Spencer Ware (hamstring) inactive, Williams is in line to head Kansas City's ground game Sunday against the Raiders, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: Charcandrick West and Darrel Williams are on hand to see complementary work in the team's Week 17 backfield, but with Ware still out, Damien Williams is in a good spot to produce against an Oakland defense that hasn't been strong against the run this season.

Inks extension in KC

Williams signed a two-year extension with the Chiefs on Thursday, Terez A. Paylor of Yahoo Sports reports.

Analysis: The Chiefs rewarded Williams for his strong work in the wake of Kareem Hunt's release and Spencer Ware's injury. Since taking on a larger role after the Chiefs' bye, Williams has averaged 5.7 yards per carry while adding 19 receptions and five touchdowns from scrimmage. He'll be a part of the Chiefs' backfield plans moving forward, but this signing won't preclude Kansas City from exploring other options at running back through free agency and the draft.

Finds end zone

Williams carried the ball 13 times for 103 yards in Sunday's 38-31 loss to the Seahawks. He also added seven receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown.

Analysis: Williams continued to see his workload increase on the ground, racking up a season-high 13 carries. That allowed him to surpass 100 rushing yards in a single game for the first time in his career. Williams also continued his excellence through the air, hauling in all seven of his targets while recording his second receiving score of the season. He's taken advantage of being the lead back on one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and it should be expected that he'll maintain the same…read more

Primed for another big workload

Williams is positioned for a sizable workload Sunday against the Seahawks with teammate Spencer Ware (hamstring) listed as doubtful for the contest, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Williams took full advantage of the same situation in last week's 29-28 loss to the Chargers, piling up 123 scrimmage yards and two scores on 16 touches while handling a 73 percent snap share. He'll now take aim at a defense that has allowed running backs to produce 4.6 yards per carry and 7.4 per target, though Seattle did a much better job containing opposing backfields the past three weeks (zero touchdowns, 222 rushing yards). Williams' career mark of 3.6 YPC isn't encouraging, but there's a…read more

Thrives in spot start

Williams rushed 10 times for 49 yards and two touchdowns and brought in all six of his targets for 74 yards in the Chiefs' 29-28 loss to the Chargers on Thursday.

Analysis: The veteran back proved highly capable of shouldering primary-back duties, making excellent use of his rather modest opportunities on the ground. Williams not only averaged an impressive 4.9 yards per tote, he also paced Kansas City in receiving yardage and scored two short touchdowns in the third and fourth quarter, respectively. Williams' opportunity was a result of Spencer Ware being sidelined with a shoulder injury, and it's expected the two will revert to some sort of timeshare arrangement…read more

Draws Week 15 start

Williams will start Thursday night's game against the Chargers, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams' expanded role in the team's Week 15 offense is due to Spencer Ware (hamstring) being inactive. Darrel Williams and Charcandrick West (active for the first time this season) are on hand to provide backfield depth for the Chiefs on Thursday night.

In line for elevated role

Williams is likely to serve as the Chiefs' top backfield option Thursday night against the Chargers, with Spencer Ware (hamstring) inactive for the contest, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: Darrel Williams and Charcandrick West are also in the team's backfield mix Thursday, but in Ware's absence Damien Williams figures to have a path to double-digit carries, in addition to a degree of involvement in the Kansas City passing game. It's a context that makes him a worthy Week 15 lineup roll while working within the framework of the league's highest-scoring offense.

On track to lead Week 15 backfield

Williams is likely to serve as the Chiefs' top option out of the backfield Thursday against the Chargers with Spencer Ware (hamstring) listed as doubtful for the contest, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Analysis: There's not much in the way of tough competition behind Williams on the depth chart, as undrafted rookie Darrel Williams has played six total offensive snaps all season and Charcandrick West just signed with the Chiefs less than two weeks ago. With that in mind, Williams should have a path to double-digit carries to go with involvement in the passing game if Ware sits out. That kind of workload would be enough to make just about any back a decent fantasy option, but Williams' presence on the…read more

Scores twice in OT win

Williams accounted for 14 yards and one touchdown on eight carries, adding four catches for 16 yards and a receiving score during Sunday's 27-24 win against Baltimore.

Analysis: This was a fulfilling Sunday for Williams, who notched his first multi-touchdown game since Week 8 of the 2016 season as Kansas City picked up an overtime victory over Baltimore to remain in control of the AFC's No. 1 seed. Starting running back Spencer Ware (hamstring/shoulder) was banged around as the game wore on, forcing the Chiefs to lean on Williams more in the second half (7:6 carries split in favor of Ware in the second half, compared to a 8:2 ratio in the opening half). Ware's status…read more

Logs 19 snaps Week 13

Williams logged 19 of a possible 71 snaps on offense in Sunday's 40-33 win over the Raiders, en route to recording five carries for 38 yards and catching two passes for seven yards.

Analysis: Meanwhile, Spencer Ware started at running back for the Chiefs on Sunday and rushed for 47 yards and a TD on 14 carries. Going forward, Williams is in line to see complementary work behind Ware, but his upside is modest, with the team expected to sign Charcandrick West, who has plenty of experience in the Kansas City offense.

Logs one carry against Patriots

Williams rushed just once for one yard during Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Analysis: Williams finished the night with just three offensive snaps in total, though he did play 27 snaps on special teams. He should continue to serve mainly as a special teams contributor for the Chiefs, but things could change if injuries arise ahead of him on the depth chart.

Barely sees field in Week 3

Williams saw just seven offensive snaps Sunday versus the 49ers, catching two passes for 16 yards on the day.

Analysis: Williams provides the Chiefs with a reliable pair of hands in the event the team is trailing and in need of the two-minute offense, but that hasn't been the case through three weeks with quarterback Patrick Mahomes under center. Williams ranks third in the pecking order for carries behind both Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware, leaving him off the fantasy radar in the vast majority of leagues.

Just one carry in Week 1

Williams rushed only once for no gain and played just seven offensive snaps in Week 1 against the Chargers.

Analysis: Williams is slated to be the No. 3 back for the Chiefs this season, but it appears that won't result in much playing time behind both Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware. Williams has proven to be a capable replacement should either of the two backs suffer an injury.

Snags 53-man roster spot

Williams has earned a spot on the Chiefs' 53-man roster, Adam Teicher of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Williams has made it over the likes of Charcandrick West and Kerwynn Williams to serve as the third option out of the backfield behind Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware and as a special teams contributor. He hasn't been particularly effective as a runner when called upon, but he did average a career-best 3.9 yards per carry on 46 totes with the Dolphins last season.

Plays in third preseason game

Williams (shoulder) lost three yards on two carries and caught his only target for 12 yards in Saturday's preseason game against the Bears.

Analysis: Williams missed the team's prior preseason contest due to the shoulder issue, but it appears the injury was relatively minor. He remains in a decent position to hold a 53-man roster spot out of cuts, especially following the release of Charcandrick West.

Misses exhibition game

Williams (shoulder) didn't play in Friday's preseason game against the Falcons.

Analysis: Williams suited up for the contest but didn't play. With Spencer Ware (knee) and Charcandrick West (concussion) also held out, Williams probably didn't lose any ground in the competition for backup work.

In uniform Friday

Williams (shoulder) is dressed for Friday's preseason game against the Falcons, Nate Taylor of The Athletic Kansas City reports.

Analysis: Williams is among a large group of running backs vying for limited spots behind Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware, but his experience may give him a leg up on the competition. His return to action Friday also provides him with an opportunity to show the coaching staff he's worthy of a spot.

Reinjures shoulder

Williams injured a different joint in the same shoulder that required offseason surgery, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: Restricted to individual drills during the offseason program, Williams received full clearance at the start of training camp and got off to a nice start in the preseason with five carries for 20 yards and two catches for 14 yards Thursday against the Texans. He was the second running back to get snaps -- behind only Kareem Hunt -- but it's worth noting that Spencer Ware (knee) didn't play. While he seems to be on track for a spot on the 53-man roster, Williams could see his fortunes change if…read more

Exits with shoulder injury

Williams left Sunday's practice early due to a shoulder injury, Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reports.

Analysis: Williams had offseason shoulder surgery prior to joining the Chiefs, and it's unclear if his current shoulder ailment is an aggravation of that. Look for Charcandrick West to get some extra reps if Williams misses any time.

Gains medical clearance

Williams (shoulder) has received full clearance for training camp, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports. "Williams, who we signed and was coming off surgery, is doing great," said Vice President of Sports Medicine and Performance Rick Burkholder. "He did everything today [Monday]."

Analysis: After Jay Ajayi was dealt to Philadelphia in the middle of last season, Williams split backfield reps with Kenyan Drake in Miami for four games, averaging 4.4 YPC, hauling in 12 of 15 passes and scoring one touchdown. However, Williams sustained a dislocated shoulder Week 12 and missed the rest of the campaign. The development allowed Drake to feature as a No. 1 back, and his performance was enough for the Dolphins to move on from Williams. In his new climes, Williams will compete with fellow…read more

Williams (shoulder) was restricted to individual work during the Chiefs' offseason program, Pete Sweeney of 610 Sports Radio reports.

Analysis: Williams is bouncing back from offseason surgery to repair a separated left shoulder that cost him the final five games of the 2017 season. There seems to be a good chance the running back will be good to go for training camp, but that notion is far from certain. When healthy, Williams will compete with Spencer Ware (knee) and Charcandrick West for depth slotting under Kareem Hunt (hamstring).

Heading to KC

The Chiefs are expected to sign Williams (shoulder) on Thursday, Adam Teicher of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: In the aftermath of the Jay Ajayi trade to Philly last year, Williams and Kenyan Drake entered into a timeshare in Miami. Williams was productive in four subsequent starts, averaging 63.5 yards from scrimmage per game and scoring one touchdown. That said, he suffered a dislocated left shoulder in the latter contest, a Week 12 loss in New England, and proceeded to miss the rest of the season. His absence allowed Drake to gain a stranglehold on the Dolphins' top RB gig, so Williams subsequently…read more

Williams underwent surgery following the season to repair a separated left shoulder, which had prevented him from playing in the Dolphins' final five games, Jason Lieser of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Analysis: Williams sustained the injury Week 12 against the Patriots and was initially hopeful to play through the issue the rest of the season, but the Dolphins' team doctors refused to clear him. The running back said that by opting for surgery, he'll be at less risk of separating his shoulder again, though the procedure will likely result in him facing some restrictions or being unavailable entirely until minicamp opens. It remains to be seen if Williams, who will become an unrestricted free agent…read more

Williams (shoulder) will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the league year but hopes to return to the Dolphins in 2018, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: The Dolphins are the only team Williams has ever known since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and then re-signing on a one-year contract last offseason. While he was never more than a change-of-pace runner during his first three years, Miami seemingly signaled its faith in Williams' potential when it traded away then-starting running back Jay Ajayi to the Eagles last October. The Oklahoma product fared well in Ajayi's absence, averaging 4.4 yards per carry while splitting the workload…read more

Williams (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: With Williams out, Kenyan Drake -- who was on the field for 95 percent of the Dolphins' snaps on offense in Week 16 - will head the Miami backfield in the team's regular-season finale, with Senorise Perry and De'Veon Smith on hand to work in reserve roles.

Williams (shoulder) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bills, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: In Williams' likely absence, Kenyan Drake -- who was on the field for 95 percent of the Dolphins' snaps on offense in Week 16 -- is once again in line to head the Miami backfield in the team's season finale, with Senorise Perry and De'Veon Smith in reserve.

Williams (shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Analysis: If Williams is able to return for Sunday's season finale against the Dolphins, which is not a lock, he'd presumably work in a complementary role behind Kenyan Drake.

Williams (shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: In Williams' continued absence, Kenyan Drake will once again head the Miami backfield in Week 16, with Senorise Perry and De'Veon Smith on hand to work in reserve roles.

Williams (shoulder) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Chiefs, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: Williams' absence of late has led to Kenyan Drake seeing added work in the Miami backfield, an assignment that Drake has handled well. Assuming Williams is inactive Sunday, Senorise Perry and De'Veon Smith will be on hand to back up Drake.

Williams (shoulder) remained limited at practice Thursday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: While it's encouraging that Williams has been able to practice this week, Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post relays via coach Adam Gase that at this stage there are still some practice activities that make Williams' shoulder feel uncomfortable. We'll circle back on the running back's status Friday, but if Williams is able to suit up Sunday against the Chiefs, he'd provide the Dolphins with a welcome opportunity to spell Kenyan Drake more than they were able to while Williams was sidelined.

Williams (shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: Williams has missed the Dolphins' past three games, but he could be nearing a return to game action. If he does suit up Sunday against the Chiefs, we doubt that he'd supplant Kenyan Drake as the team's lead back in Week 16. Drake was effective in Williams' absence, so a complementary role presumably awaits Williams if he is in fact cleared to play this weekend.

The Dolphins ruled out Williams (shoulder) for Sunday's game in Buffalo, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports.

Analysis: After a limited showing at Thursday's practice, Williams seemed to test out the state of his left shoulder, but ultimately a lack of activity Friday and a doubtful designation for Week 15 sealed his fate. Out of the lineup for a third consecutive game, he'll yield the backfield to Kenyan Drake, who has reeled off 334 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown the last two contests.

Williams (shoulder) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Bills, James Walker of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams created some optimism about a potential return this week by returning to practice on a limited basis Thursday. However, he was unable to build on that, as he was a non-participant in Friday's session, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, making it likely that Williams will miss his third consecutive game due to the dislocated left shoulder. Assuming Williams sits out, Kenyan Drake will once again handle the bulk of the touches out of the Dolphins' backfield. Considering…read more

Williams (shoulder) returned to a limited practice Thursday.

Analysis: Per Chris Perkins of the Sun-Sentinel, if Williams is able to return to action Sunday against the Bills following a two-game absence, he could help ease the workload of Kenyan Drake, who has logged 56 touches over Miami's past two games. Given that Drake racked up 234 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards in that span, Williams would likely be limited to complementary duty in a scenario where he is available this weekend.

Williams (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant in the Dolphins' estimation of Wednesday's injury report.

Analysis: Since the Dolphins are only two days removed from a Monday night win over the Patriots, head coach Adam Gase elected to give the team a day off Wednesday, hence the estimated report. In any event, Williams' listing as a non-participant is a seemingly telling sign of the limited progress he has made in his recovery from the dislocated left shoulder, which he suffered in the Dolphins' first matchup with New England in Week 12. Williams could gain clearance to play Sunday against the Bills if he's…read more

Ruled out for Week 14

Williams (shoulder) was officially ruled out for Monday night's game against the Patriots, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams did not practice again this week and it remains unclear when he may be able to return. Kenyan Drake is likely to be the workhorse in the Dolphins backfield once again, coming off a 120-yard performance with a touchdown on 23 carries, by far his best output of the season.

Williams (shoulder) didn't participate in Friday's practice.

Analysis: Williams has yet to practice in any capacity since dislocating his left shoulder in the Dolphins' Week 12 loss to the Patriots, and at this point, it's looking unlikely that he'll be available for the rematch Monday night. While Williams was sidelined for last week's win over the Broncos, Kenyan Drake took control of the lead-back role, finishing the contest with 120 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and adding three receptions for 21 yards.

Sitting out practice Thursday

Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said that Williams (shoulder) won't practice Thursday, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: Williams missed the Week 13 win over the Broncos while recovering from the dislocated shoulder, allowing Kenyan Drake to take hold of the starting running back role. While he'll benefit from an extra day of recovery with the Dolphins playing the Patriots on Monday night in Week 14, Williams isn't off to a good start to the week by missing the team's first practice. Drake, who erupted for 120 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and three receptions for 21 yards last week, would make for a strong…read more

Looking shaky for Week 14

Dolphins head coach Adam Gase didn't sound optimistic about Williams' (shoulder) chances of returning to practice this week, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: Gase said it's an issue of pain management, hinting that Williams is still bothered by considerable pain. It's possible that subsides within the next few days, but Kenyan Drake may have earned a larger share of the workload even if Williams is able to return for Week 14. Drake rumbled for 120 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries in Sunday's 35-9 win over the Broncos, adding three catches for 21 yards on five targets while logging the vast majority of offensive snaps prior to garbage time.…read more

Won't play in Week 13

Williams (shoulder) won't play Sunday against the Broncos, Alain Poupart of the Dolphins' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams has split the backfield workload with Kenyan Drake the last four games following the trade of Jay Ajayi to the Eagles, but Drake will be the clear-cut lead runner in Week 13. Depth back Senorise Perry is still in the NFL's concussion protocol, according to Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald, and is thus uncertain for Sunday's contest. As a result, De'Veon Smith could end serving as the primary backup to Drake.

Williams (shoulder) did not practice Thursday.

Analysis: Meanwhile, Senorise Perry (concussion) practiced fully Thursday, which clearly gives him a better shot at suiting up Sunday against the Broncos than Williams. If Williams ends up ruled out this weekend, Kenyan Drake would be in line to serve as the Dolphins' lead back, with Perry (if medically cleared) and De'Veon Smith providing backfield depth in Week 13.

Williams (shoulder) won't practice Wednesday, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: The Dolphins are officially listing Williams as day-to-day and have yet to rule him out for Sunday's game against the Broncos, but an absence seems inevitable after the running back dislocated his shoulder in the third quarter of Miami's Week 12 loss to New England. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, injuries similar to Williams' typically require 2-to-3 weeks to heal, so there's reason to think the tailback may miss the Dec. 11 rematch with the Patriots as well. Kenyan Drake will serve…read more

Williams is expected to miss 2-to-3 weeks due to a dislocated shoulder, Ian Rapoport reports.

Analysis: Williams had his shoulder pop out on a third-quarter hit Sunday at New England and was carted from the field after receiving medical attention. An MRI on Monday will determine the extent of the injury, which will in turn help the Dolphins formulate a prognosis. During Williams' absence, Kenyan Drake becomes the unquestioned lead back in Miami.

Likely out for Week 13

Williams (shoulder) is expected to miss Sunday's game against the Broncos at the very least, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: This supports a report that first surfaced after Sunday's 35-17 loss to the Patriots suggesting that Williams, who dislocated his shoulder in the contest, would require an extended absence. Williams had been splitting work with Kenyan Drake, who was left as the only healthy running back by the end of Sunday's game. The Dolphins presumably will sign one or two running backs this week, but any additions won't necessarily pose a major threat to Drake's workload. Third-string back Senorise Perry…read more

Likely headed for extended absence

Williams (shoulder) likely will miss extended time, James Walker of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams was removed from Sunday's 35-17 loss to the Patriots after injuring his shoulder in the third quarter. Kenyan Drake handled all the backfield work from that point forward, as No. 3 back Senorise Perry (concussion) had already left the game and been ruled out for the rest of the day. Given that Williams and Drake have been splitting work since Jay Ajayi was traded, Sunday's series of events could open up a major opportunity for Drake, a 2016 third-round pick who has mostly proven to be…read more

Exits game with shoulder injury

Williams was forced out of Sunday's game against the Patriots by a third-quarter shoulder injury.

Analysis: With Senorise Perry (concussion) also out of the game, the last man standing in the Dolphins' Week 12 backfield is Kenyan Drake.

Williams will draw the start at running back Sunday against the Patriots, Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: The Dolphins have been splitting the snaps fairly equitably between Williams and Kenyan Drake since Jay Ajayi was traded to the Eagles on Oct. 31, so Williams' starting designation isn't likely to result in him taking on an overwhelming share of touches out of the backfield. Nonetheless, it's a justified assignment after Williams was the better producer of the two in the Week 11 loss to the Buccaneers, during which he rushed 10 times for 78 yards while hauling in his lone target for 24 yards.

Williams rushed 10 times for 78 yards and brought in his only target for 24 yards in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Williams outpaced backfield mate Kenyan Drake in rushing touches, but his final line was a bit deceptive. The 25-year-old racked up 69 of his 78 rushing yards on a single first-quarter scamper, but otherwise averaged just a yard per tote on his other nine carries. The distribution of the ground game work is likely to continue to fluctuate on a week-to-week basis, making it somewhat hard to trust Williams and Drake regardless of format.

Dolphins offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen said Thursday that the Dolphins have no intention of breaking up the backfield timeshare of Williams and Kenyan Drake, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: In the Dolphins' two games since trading away lead back Jay Ajayi, Drake and Williams have received the same amount of offensive snaps (62), but Drake has proven to be the far more explosive offensive option. Williams has parlayed 24 total touches (including eight receptions) into 100 yards, while Drake's 22 touches (eight receptions) have yielded 196 yards and a touchdown. Though the results to date have indicated that Drake is the superior fantasy option, it appears the Dolphins still seem to…read more

Williams had nine rushes for 19 yards and two receptions for 20 yards as the Dolphins lost to the Panthers 45-21 on Monday.

Analysis: Williams missed several practices during the week due to an illness, so perhaps a subpar game should have been expected here. Unfortunately for his fantasy owners, Kenyan Drake had a solid night with 82 yards rushing, including a touchdown run of 66 yards, and may be in line to take away more snaps from Williams as the season moves along.

Williams (illness) is listed as active for Monday night's game against the Panthers.

Analysis: Williams missed practice both Thursday and Friday, but added recovery time afforded by the Dolphins' Monday night kickoff has enabled him to suit up against Carolina. In doing so, he'll continue to work in a backfield time-share with Kenyan Drake. It's an arrangement that led to Drake logging 37 out of a possible 67 snaps on offense in Miami's Week 9 loss to the Raiders, while Williams saw action on 30 snaps. In the process, Drake recorded nine carries for 69 yards, while hauling in all six of…read more

Williams (illness) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Carolina.

Analysis: Although he's listed as questionable, Williams was also credited with a full practice Saturday, and he's generally expected to play. He's a bit behind Kenyan Drake in the running back rotation, and the matchup against Carolina is a tough one, but Williams has some amount of pass-catching skill that's at least worth monitoring for most formats.

Williams is expected to play Monday night against the Panthers despite missing practice time this week due to an illness, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: Per the Dolphins' official site, coach Adam Gase noted Friday that Williams should be able to play Monday even if he ends up not practicing all week. It remains to be seen if Williams carries an injury designation in advance of the team's Week 10 contest, but at this stage, he remains on track to continue to working in a backfield time-share with Kenyan Drake.

Williams (illness) won't practice Thursday, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports.

Analysis: The same applies to wideout Jakeem Grant, though we suspect that both players will recover in time to be ready for Monday night's game against the Panthers. Prior to the NFL trade deadline, Williams missing practice wouldn't have attracted much attention, but since the Dolphins dealt Jay Ajayi to the Eagles prior to Week 9, his status gains a level of import now that Williams and Kenyan Drake now head the Dolphins' backfield in a time-share situation.

Head coach Adam Gase said Monday that the Dolphins will continue to use a two-man backfield of Williams and Kenyan Drake, James Walker of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Following the trade of Jay Ajayi to Philadelphia, Drake was expected to receive first- and second-down reps, while Williams would spell him and also take the field for obvious passing downs. The breakdown was mimicked Sunday against the Raiders and resulted in productive lines for both running backs. Picking up 37 of the 67 offensive snaps, Drake turned nine rushes into 69 yards and posted six catches (on six targets) for 35 yards. As for Williams, he hauled in all six passes for 47 yards and…read more