Analysis

Williams, who is now heading into his age-30 season as a free agent, gained just 164 yards (3.4 YPC) and one touchdown on 48 carries across 14 regular-season appearances with the Saints in 2024. He also caught nine of 11 targets for 57 yards, while racking up a career-high 288 yards as a kick returner. With 2024 having marked the least productive season of Williams' career by a notable margin, teams around the league don't figure to view the veteran running back as a hot option on the open market.

Analysis

Williams logged at least eight carries for the first time since Week 2. The Saints had been eliminated from playoff contention multiple weeks ago and were without multiple key offensive starters Sunday, including running back Alvin Kamara (groin) as well as RB2 Kendre Miller (concussion). This left Williams to split carries with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was elevated from the practice squad for Week 18, and these two combined for a paltry 41 rushing yards on 16 carries. This caps off what was easily the least productive season of Williams' career, as he finished with fewer than 100 carries and 300 rushing yards for the first time in eight seasons. The 29-year-old signed a three-year, $12 million contract with New Orleans in March of 2023, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the team move on him from ahead of the 2025 regular season.

Analysis

Williams barely played even though starting running back Alvin Kamara was inactive with a groin injury for the second week in a row. Instead, Clyde Edwards-Helaire led the team with five carries for 20 yards after being elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's contest. This was mostly because second-year running back Kendre Miller was forced out with a concussion during the first half. No matter who's been available at running back for New Orleans this season, Williams has never served as anything more than a fringe RB2. He'll likely provide depth once again during the regular-season finale versus the Buccaneers on Sunday, Jan. 5.

Analysis

Interim coach Darren Rizzi relayed earlier Thursday that Kamara was unlikely to be available Week 16 due to the adductor injury that he sustained this past Sunday against the Commanders, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Since recording 20 touches between Weeks 1 and 2 this season, Williams' usage has been few and far between, with 22 total touches for 77 yards from scrimmage and no touchdowns across his past nine appearances. Kendre Miller appears as if he'll be the biggest beneficiary if Kamara sits out Monday, having taken 19 carries for 78 yards and one TD over the last two games. If that comes to pass, Williams and Jordan Mims will be the other backfield options on the active roster, while Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Xazavian Valladay are candidates to be elevated from the practice squad.

Analysis

Williams did not record any statistics outside of two kickoff returns on which he netted 57 yards. The veteran running back mostly fell out of the rushing rotation when second-year back Kendre Miller returned to action last week. This remained the case Sunday even after RB1 Alvin Kamara exited with a groin injury and did not return during the fourth quarter. Instead, Miller carried the rushing workload with eight of his nine attempts coming in the fourth quarter. The Saints will next play on the road at Green Bay on Monday, Dec. 23. Should Kamara remain out, it appears likely that Miller will be the feature back for New Orleans while Williams serves as the primary backup.

Analysis

Williams saw a bit more action than when he finished with just one reception against the Rams last week. The 29-year-old running back appeared to fill a larger role in the absence of Taysom Hill (knee), who had been the team's No. 2 rusher behind Alvin Kamara this season. However, Williams still served as the Saints' No. 3 rushing threat, as second-year back Kendre Miller logged a season-high 10 carries after missing the previous four games with a hamstring issue. If Sunday's game is any indication of how the rushing responsibilities will be split going forward, then Williams would still be left with little-to-no relevance in fantasy. New Orleans will next play versus the Commanders on Sunday, Dec. 15.

Analysis

Williams reprised his role as the Saints' RB2 after missing the previous three games with a groin issue. But, that still didn't mean he would factor into their gameplan, as Alvin Kamara once again carried the load out of the backfield while playing 86 percent of offensive snaps. Do-it-all tight end Taysom Hill also featured into his usual role in the rushing game before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in the fourth quarter. With no other player capable of filling Hill's unique role in the offense, New Orleans will likely have to make up for his absence by leaning on its other tight ends and rushers. This could lead to more opportunities as a short-yardage power back for the 224-pound Williams. It will be worth monitoring how he is deployed behind Kamara during this coming Sunday's road game against the Giants.

Analysis

After following an LP/LP/FP practice regimen this week, Williams has put a groin injury behind him and is in the clear for his first game action since Week 8. Considering Alvin Kamara remains the Saints' workhorse back, Williams likely will be relegated to a complementary role, which amounted to 16 touches for 55 yards from scrimmage in his six appearances prior to his recent three-game absence.

Analysis

Williams' ability to practice without limitations Friday following a pair of limited sessions bodes well for his chances of returning for his first action since Week 8. If Williams makes his return Sunday, he'll likely work in a complementary role behind Alvin Kamara.