Buffalo Bills: When Will Kyle Williams Return to Action?
By Paul Taylor
Kyle Williams discussed the current status of his injury at Jim Kelly’s annual charity golf tournament, and in reality we are no closer to knowing when he is likely to return to the field for the Buffalo Bills.
Jim Kelly‘s annual charity golf tournament gives a chance for people associated with the Buffalo Bills to get together and enjoy themselves. However, it also provides an opportunity to address certain situations, especially with the media present. (Look no further than Roger Goodell’s latest comments about the Bills’ stadium situation.)
With that in mind, Kyle Williams took time to speak to The Buffalo News‘ Tyler Dunne and the rest of the media, about his recovery from injury: “I think we’re just going to gradually build.
“Kind of build on every day through OTA’s, even into training camp. I think the main goal circled is making sure we’re ready to go in September.”
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In truth, Williams admits he is not sure at this stage when he is likely to take the next step in his rehab: “How much or how little of training camp, I don’t know.
“I don’t think that plan has been totally put together yet. Definitely gearing towards and getting ready to play when it matters.”
When the Ruston, Louisiana native injured himself during a week six loss last season to the Cincinnati Bengals, it was initially diagnosed as a sprain. However, it was eventually revealed he would need meniscus surgery, and that put an end to his campaign.
There are some concerns about whether Williams can come back at full strength, especially as he is about to turn 33. However, it’s worth noting he was coming off three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances prior to last year, which included a career-high 10.5 sacks in 2013.
Whenever the 2006 fifth round draft pick does return, he is expecting a bounce back campaign for the Bills defense, after the disaster of last season: “The more you do it defensively, the more you hear the terminology, the more reps you get, I think you’re going to continue to grow.
“You’re going to continue to get better and better when you have a clear direction that you’re going with coaches, with players. People are listening to the same voice and not being distracted or pulled in a different direction — kind of all rowing in the same direction.
“I think we’ll be OK. The communication’s been good just from me observing, being in meetings and being out at practice.”
First things first though for Williams, is to concentrate on getting back on the field. That alone, will go some way towards helping Rex Ryan get the defense back to the sort of form they showed before he arrived in Buffalo.
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What do you take away from Williams’ comments about his injury? Are you concerned, or do you expect him back on the field for week one of the 2016 season? Let us know in the comments section below.