NFL

NFL Draft prospect Jameson Williams says ACL recovery ahead of schedule

By Sports Desk March 02, 2022

Former Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams’ recovery from an ACL tear in his left knee seems to be going off without a hitch.

Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the potential first-round draft pick told reporters he’s progressing well in his rehab from the injury he sustained in January’s College Football Playoff National Championship game.

"I was hearing five to seven months, but I'm hearing I'm ahead of schedule," Williams said. "I'm six weeks out of surgery right now. I've been walking without the brace for two weeks, without the crutch for three weeks.

"Hopefully things keep going on this track, and I'll be back as soon as possible."

Prior to getting hurt in Alabama's loss to Georgia in the national title game, Williams emerged as one of the 2022 draft's top receiver prospects with a superb junior season. The first team All-American tied for third in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with 15 touchdown receptions while recording 79 catches for a team-high 1,572 yards.

Nine of Williams' 15 touchdown catches were from 40 or more yards, the most in the FBS last season, while his 11 receptions of 40 or more yards tied for second among major college players.

Williams spent just one season at Alabama after transferring from Ohio State, where the St. Louis native registered only 15 catches in two seasons playing behind two other well-regarded draft prospects in Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.

The soon-to-be 21-year-old is meeting with teams in Indianapolis despite not being able to take part in testing and drills. Williams said he's hopeful he can be fully cleared in time for the start of his rookie season, but added that he will let the healing process play itself out.

"I won't be rushing anything … really, it's going to take time," he said. "I just want to be ready when it does happen."

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