Suffers head injury

Williams was knocked out of Thursday's preseason opener against the Falcons with a head injury, BJ Kissel of the Chiefs' official site reports.

Analysis: The exact severity of the issue hasn't been revealed, but Williams has likely gone through the concussion protocol to check if that is in play. Despite appearing in all 16 games last season for the Chiefs, Williams has a less-than-firm-grasp on a 53-man roster spot with Kansas City. An extended absence wouldn't work in his favor, but getting fully healthy is certainly the first priority.

Williams is slated to sign a one-year deal with the Chiefs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Williams joins a crowded Kansas City backfield that is headed by Kareem Hunt and at least for now also includes Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware, Damien Williams and Akeem Hunt. The 26-year-old Kerwynn Williams logged a career-high 120 carries for 426 yards and TD to go along with 10 catches for 93 yards in 16 games for the Cardinals in 2017, but in his new context, Williams' path to touches is unclear in the absence of future roster trimming/fellow running back injuries.

Williams is working out for the Chiefs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Despite starting six games for the Cardinals last season, Williams doesn't seem to be drawing much interest on the backup running back market in free agency. He'd merely compete for a roster spot in Kansas City, where Kareem Hunt, Charcandrick West, Spencer Ware (knee) and Damien Williams (shoulder) are already on the roster. West ultimately may be a cap casualty, but there would still be ample competition for backup work, assuming Ware and (Damien) Williams make full recoveries from their…read more

Williams ended the 2017 season with 120 carries for 426 yards and one touchdown. He also tacked on 10 receptions (on 15 targets) for 93 yards.

Analysis: Aside from TDs, Williams set career bests in sheer output on both the ground and as a receiver. The expanded workload was made possible by injuries to both David Johnson (wrist) and Adrian Peterson (neck). The latter set the stage for Williams' late-season run, which included at least 16 rushes in five consecutive games to close out the campaign. His YPC during that stretch (3.9) was acceptable enough and likely will spur the Cardinals to re-sign the unrestricted free-agent-to-be this offseason…read more

Williams (quadriceps) is listed as active Sunday at Seattle, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: In four consecutive starts, Williams garnered 47 percent (133 of 281) of the offensive snaps, averaging 18 touches and 77.8 yards from scrimmage per game. The breakdown of backfield roles hasn't allowed Williams to reach the end zone, though. Instead, D.J. Foster has handled clear passing situations and Elijhaa Penny (hand, groin) is the short-yardage back. Despite the reality of his situation, Williams will seek a breakout performance against the Seahawks' 18th-ranked run defense.

Williams (quadriceps/ribs) remained limited at Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Seattle, Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports.

Analysis: Williams played through the same pair of injuries in Sunday's 23-0 win over the Giants, after managing just one limited practice during the week. Given that he was a limited participant at every session this week, he appears to be on the right side of questionable as the Cardinals prepare to close out a disappointing season with a tough matchup. Williams landed between 16 and 20 carries with 51 to 97 rushing yards each of the past four weeks, but he still doesn't offer a ton of upside with D.J.…read more

Williams (quad/ribs) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams seems to be healthier than last week, which he kicked off with back-to-back DNPs before practicing in a limited capacity Friday. After getting the all-clear to play Sunday against the Giants, he earned 16 carries and three targets on his 33 offensive snaps, racking up 65 yards from scrimmage in the process. Williams still hasn't reached the end zone since Week 1, but an upcoming matchup with the Seahawks, who have allowed the eighth-most TDs (14) to running backs this season, could be…read more

Williams supplied 51 yards on 16 carries and reeled in two of three passes for 14 yards during Sunday's 23-0 victory against the Giants.

Analysis: Williams has maintained a semblance of a ground game since Adrian Peterson was lost for the season due to a neck injury. Over the last four outings, Williams has averaged 18 touches and 77.8 yards from scrimmage per game, but most of his output has come between the 20s. As evidence, only nine of his 69 carries during that stretch occurred in the red zone, a region in which the Cardinals have become bogged down (two TDs versus 10 field goals prior to Sunday). With Drew Stanton taking over for…read more

Williams (quadriceps) is active for Sunday's game against the Giants, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams sustained cracked ribs Week 12, but Adrian Peterson's placement on IR with a neck injury allowed the understudy to get another extended crack with the first-team offense. Over the last three games, Williams has settled in as the No. 1 running back, averaging 17.7 carries for 77 yards, but his first touchdown since the regular-season opener awaits.

Williams (quadriceps/ribs) is expected to play Sunday against the Giants, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Williams is questionable on the official injury report and was a limited participant in Friday's practice. If Williams does play, he has a friendly matchup on tap versus a Giants defense that has allowed 117.9 rushing yards per game and six touchdowns on the ground to running backs over the last seven games.

Williams (quadriceps/ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest against the Giants, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Sidelined the first two practices of Week 16 prep, Williams was seen running hard on a side field Friday with a member of the Cardinals' training staff, according to Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic. Once the session was closed to the media, Williams fit in enough reps otherwise to be termed a limited participant. While his status could come down to the wire, he has a friendly matchup on tap versus a Giants defense that has allowed 117.9 rushing yards per game and six touchdowns on the…read more

Williams (quadriceps) appears to be practicing Friday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: With Williams absent from the prior two practices, it appeared the Cardinals might need to lean on Elijhaa Penny as their lead runner for Sunday's game against the Giants. Williams' return to practice Friday at least gives him a shot to play, though it's still quite possible he's no better than a game-time decision. Another update will be available Friday afternoon when the Cardinals release their final injury report.

Misses practice with quad injury

Williams (quadriceps) isn't practicing Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams injured his quad in the second half of Sunday's 20-15 loss to the Redskins, leaving Eliijhaa Penny and D.J. Foster to split backfield work in the fourth quarter. Penny likely would serve as the lead runner if Williams were to miss Sunday's game against the Giants, with Foster potentially also taking on a larger role than usual. Bronson Hill, who was signed Tuesday, might also factor into the equation.

Injures quad

Williams suffered a quad injury during Sunday's 20-15 loss to the Redskins, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams led the team in carries (17) and rushing yards (61), but he failed to haul in his only target and didn't get any touches in the fourth quarter. Eliijhaa Penny took over as Arizona's lead runner for the final stanza and finished with 10 carries for 45 yards, while passing-down back D.J. Foster caught four of nine targets for 22 yards. Penny would be the obvious beneficiary if Williams were to miss a Week 16 game against the Giants.

Williams is expected to retain starting duties at running back for the Cardinals' final three games with Adrian Peterson (neck) headed to injured reserve, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams struggled early in the season after replacing the injured David Johnson (wrist) as the Cardinals' lead back, but he's been far more productive in his second trial in that role since Peterson went down in Week 12. Over the past two contests, Williams has scampered for 170 yards on 36 carries (4.7 average), numbers that likely won't allow backups D.J. Foster and Elijhaa Penny to take too much of his workload. Williams draws a favorable matchup in Week 15 against a Redskins defense that…read more

Williams rushed 20 times for 73 yards while catching his only target for 15 yards during Sunday's 12-7 victory over the Titans.

Analysis: Again receiving the start in Adrian Peterson's (neck) continued absence, Williams was much less efficient than he was last week against the Rams, when the Utah State product averaged 6.7 yards on 16 carries. However, he still managed a respectable stat line Sunday due to volume alone. In fact, the 18 carries per game Williams has seen the past two weeks is right in line with what Peterson was getting (17.6 attempts per game). Should Peterson remain sidelined for yet another week, Williams…read more

Williams is the starting running back for Sunday's game versus the Titans.

Analysis: Williams is taking over for Adrian Peterson (neck) for the second week in a row. During his previous chance to lead the Cardinals' backfield last Sunday against the Rams, Williams churned out 97 yards on 16 carries. That said, he's facing Tennessee's third-ranked run defense Week 14, hindering his potential.

With Adrian Peterson (neck) ruled out for Sunday's contest against the Titans, Williams is in line to start at running back, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Head coach Bruce Arians noted Friday that there isn't a timetable for Peterson's return, meaning Williams has a prime opportunity to contribute for a number of games. In his first chance to start for David Johnson (wrist) in Week 2, Williams put up a measly 22 yards on nine carries. Thereafter, he was an afterthought in the offense -- especially after the addition of Peterson -- but Williams didn't disappoint when called upon this past Sunday, averaging 6.7 yards on his 16 carries. While he…read more

Williams is expected to start at running back Sunday against the Titans with Adrian Peterson (neck) considered likely to miss a second straight game, Josina Anderson of ESPN reports.

Analysis: While Peterson's neck injury won't require surgery, it appears he'll need multiple weeks to rest, as the Cardinals haven't cleared him to practice this week. His continued absence will give Williams an opportunity to build on the season-best performance (16 carries for 97 yards) he submitted in the team's Week 13 loss to the Rams. Though his volume of touches should hold steady this week, Williams' efficiency could take a significant hit with the Titans limiting opposing rushers to just 3.5…read more

Williams (ribs) put in a full practice Thursday, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams seemingly experienced no aggravations to his cracked ribs during the Cardinals' Week 13 loss to the Rams, with the Utah State product filling in admirably for Adrian Peterson (neck) and providing 97 yards on the ground. With Peterson sidelined for the Cardinals' first two practices of this week, Williams looks like he could be on tap for another starting role Sunday against the Titans. The Tennessee defense has done well to stymie the run this season, yielding just 3.5 yards per carry.

Williams (ribs) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: In relief of the inactive Adrian Peterson (neck) in Sunday's loss to the Rams, Williams earned the start and led all Cardinals running backs by playing 31 of the 64 offensive snaps, followed by D.J. Foster (28) and Elijhaa Penny (five). On the box score, Williams had the most success by far, totaling 16 carries for 97 yards, while Foster accrued 25 yards from scrimmage and Penny recorded a one-yard touchdown run. The Cardinals have implemented a wait-and-see approach with Peterson, but another…read more

Williams carried 16 times for 97 yards during Sunday's 32-16 loss to the Rams.

Analysis: With Adrian Peterson (hand) inactive, Williams received his largest workload of the season and averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry against a generous Rams run defense. He was the only rusher to receive more than two carries in this one, although he wasn't targeted at all in the passing game. Williams could garner another featured role next week against the Titans if Peterson is unable to play, but it remains to be seen whether or not the veteran intends to suit up.

Williams is expected to receive the initial snaps at running back Sunday against the Rams with Adrian Peterson (neck) unavailable, Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: If head coach Bruce Arians had his druthers, he'd rely on one running back for the majority of the contest, be it David Johnson (wrist) or Adrian Peterson (neck). With the former on injured reserve and the other inactive, Williams would seem to be the first man up in the backfield. That said, Williams will be playing with cracked ribs, which could result in a trickle-down effect for the remaining RBs (D.J. Foster, Elijhaa Penny and Bronson Hill) on the active roster.

Williams is expected to start at running back Sunday against the Rams, with Adrian Peterson (neck) considered a "long shot" to play in the contest, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Peterson is questionable and is being regarded as a game-day decision, but the veteran will likely be held out after failing to practice all week. It once looked like Williams might join Peterson on the inactive list while recovering from cracked ribs, but he avoided an injury designation after logging a trio of limited practices. Williams' lack of productivity in Week 2 against the Colts while starting in place of David Johnson (wrist) ultimately spurred the team to acquire Peterson, so…read more

Williams (ribs) remained limited at Friday's practice, but he doesn't have a designation on the final injury report for Sunday's game against the Rams, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Early reports suggested Williams' cracked ribs likely would lead to at least one absence, but it turns out the running back will avoid such a fate. The extent of his role remains to be seen, as he'll be the favorite to handle the lead job if Adrian Peterson (neck) doesn't play, per Urban. Peterson is listed as questionable and expected to be a game-time decision, with his failure to practice at all this week casting serious doubt upon his availability. D.J. Foster and Eliijhaa Penny might also…read more

Williams (ribs) was limited in practice Wednesday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: Williams came out of Sunday's win against the Jags with cracked ribs, which was expected to force some type of absence. Instead, he was able to practice Wednesday while Adrian Peterson did not due to a neck injury. In a press conference, head coach Bruce Arians revealed he has no idea who will comprise the backfield Week 13 against the Rams. If Peterson and Williams are held out Sunday, the Cardinals would be relying on a backfield trio of D.J. Foster, Elijhaa Penny and Bronson Hill.

Williams sustained cracked ribs in Sunday's win over the Jaguars and is expected to miss some time, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.

Analysis: After the Cardinals made Andre Ellington inactive Week 11 before waiving him shortly thereafter, Williams settled in as the top backup behind starting running back Adrian Peterson, playing 14 offensive snaps over the past two games while producing 38 total yards on six touches. The injury looks like it will deny Williams the opportunity to build on his minor role in the offense, leaving D.J. Foster as the leading candidate to serve as Peterson's top understudy beginning with the Cardinals' Week…read more

Williams is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Jaguars due to a rib injury, Mike Jurecki of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM reports.

Analysis: Before his departure, Williams totaled eight yards on three carries while taking two punt returns for a combined 22 yards. If he doesn't return, D.J. Foster will be the top candidate to receive work behind No. 1 running back Adrian Peterson.

Williams carried the ball once for nine yards and added a nine-yard catch during Sunday's 31-21 loss to Houston.

Analysis: Williams' 18 total yards was his third-highest total of the season. It's not much now, but Arizona is the market for a new No. 2 behind Adrian Peterson after the release of Andre Ellington. Williams was tied for second among Arizona backs Sunday with nine offensive snaps. D.J. Foster will be his main competition.