AUGUST 15, 2023 • NEWORLEANSSAINTS.COM
DARREL WILLIAMS
Five things to know about New Orleans Saints running back Darrel Williams Veteran running back returns to his home state
Darrel Williams joins the New Orleans Saints | Meet the Team Photos New Orleans Saints announced that they have signed running back Darrel Williams on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Check out Darrel in action with...
AUGUST 15, 2023 • NEWORLEANSSAINTS.COM
Heading to injured reserve The Cardinals placed Williams (hip) on injured reserve Wednesday, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
Impact Williams ended a two-game absence Week 8 at Minnesota and played 30 percent of the offensive snaps en route to seven touches for 14 total yards while working behind Eno Benjamin with James Conner (ribs) still sidelined. Per Urban, Williams was spotted on crutches after Sunday's contest and now will have to miss at least Arizona's next four games, meaning his next potential appearance is Dec. 12 against the Patriots. During Williams' time on IR, Benjamin, rookie sixth-round pick Keaontay Ingram and -- when healthy -- Conner will man the team's backfield.
NOVEMBER 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Tending to hip injury Williams didn't practice Wednesday due to a hip injury, Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Impact Williams put an end to a two-game absence this past Sunday in Minnesota, earning 30 percent of the offensive snaps and turning seven touches into 14 yards from scrimmage. In the wake of that appearance, however, a knee issue has been replaced by another health concern as the reason for his lack of activity at practice. Meanwhile, James Conner (ribs), who has missed the last three contests, was limited Wednesday, so he may be the better bet to be a part of the Cardinals backfield along with Eno Benjamin this Sunday against the Seahawks.
NOVEMBER 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Tallies seven touches Sunday Williams turned five carries into eight yards and two catches on three targets for six yards during Sunday's 34-26 loss in Minnesota.
Impact In his return from a two-game absence due to a knee injury, Williams served as the Cardinals' No. 2 running back behind Eno Benjamin with James Conner (ribs) again sidelined. However, Williams' snap share (27 percent) and touch count (seven) paled in comparison to Benjamin's marks (74 percent and 13). There's a chance Conner returns to action as soon as Sunday against the Seahawks, which could mean Williams sees few to no opportunities.
NOVEMBER 2, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Returning to action Sunday Williams (knee) is listed as active Sunday at Minnesota, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact While Williams is putting an end to a two-game absence, the Arizona's No. 1 running back James Conner (ribs) is not, setting the stage for the former to get some work out of the backfield. That said, Williams may play second fiddle to Eno Benjamin, who has notched 34 touches for 178 yards from scrimmage and one rushing TD the last two contests. As the healthier option, Benjamin again may be the team's main back, but Williams is a decent bet to get some short-yardage work.
OCTOBER 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Game-time call Williams (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Minnesota, with head coach Kliff Kingsbury saying the running back will be a game-time decision, Darren Urban of the...
Impact Williams could have a role with James Conner (ribs) ruled out for a third straight game, but Eno Benjamin likely will get the start after topping 100 total yards in the Week 7 win over New Orleans. The Cardinals also have Keaontay Ingram as a backfield option, limiting Williams' appeal to the deepest of leagues, if that. The Vikes and Cards are scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff this Sunday.
OCTOBER 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Another limited showing Williams (knee) practiced on a limited basis Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact Williams and No. 1 running back James Conner (ribs) are attempting to put an end to two-game absences due to their respective injuries. After both managed a pair of capped sessions so far this week, Arizona's backfield is drawing closer to some normalcy. Ultimately, Friday's practice report could reveal if one or both of Conner and Williams are able to join Eno Benjamin at the position Sunday in Minnesota. If all three are active, though, Williams seemingly would be relegated to the No. 3 spot behind Conner and Benjamin.
OCTOBER 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Limited Wednesday Williams (knee) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact Along with Williams, No. 1 running back James Conner (ribs) also returned to practice as a limited participant, indicating the position group is getting close to being back to full strength. An active Conner on Sunday in Minnesota likely would be Arizona's lead runner, but he could yield reps to Williams (if active) and Eno Benjamin. In five appearances this season, Williams averaged 5.9 yards per carry on his 16 rushes while scoring one touchdown.
OCTOBER 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Cardinals use two pick-6s in first half to down Saints 42-34
Marco Wilson and Isaiah Simmons scored touchdowns on two pick-6s late in the first half and used that stunning change in momentum to lift the Arizona Cardinals over the New Orleans...OCTOBER 21, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Won't be available Thursday Williams (knee) was ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Saints, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact Williams will miss a second game in a row due to a knee injury, but James Conner (ribs) may be able to avoid that fate, according to head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who told Tyler Drake of ArizonaSports.com on Wednesday that the second back is a game-time decision. Whether or not an active Conner would lead the backfield remains to be seen, but if he's limited or out Thursday, Eno Benjamin (foot) is line to handle much of the backfield reps after ending Week 7 prep with a full practice.
OCTOBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Hopkins ready to provide jolt Cardinals offense needs
Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins returns for Thursday's game against the New Orleans SaintsOCTOBER 18, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Still not practicing Tuesday Williams (knee) did not participate at practice Tuesday ahead of Thursday's game versus New Orleans, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact Williams sustained a sprained knee in Week 5, and it looks increasingly likely that injury will hold him out for a second consecutive week. With James Connor (ribs) also a non-participant at Tuesday's practice, things are shaping up for Eno Benjamin (foot) to work as Arizona's lead back once again Thursday night.
OCTOBER 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Cardinals welcome D-Hop back, hope it sparks struggling team
Three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins is back on the field after serving his six-game suspensionOCTOBER 17, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
DNP on estimated report Williams (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact Williams suffered a sprained knee during the team's Week 5 loss to Philadelphia and was sidelind for Week 6, along with starting running back James Conner (ribs). Both backs were listed as non-participants Monday, while Eno Benjamin, who took over as the primary running back against Seattle, was listed as limited due to a foot injury. Per Urban, coach Kliff Kingsbury said Monday that Williams is unlikely to play Thursday against the Saints, while Conner is day-to-day.
OCTOBER 17, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Cardinals need help for offense as Hopkins' return looms
DeAndre Hopkins can’t rejoin the Arizona Cardinals soon enoughOCTOBER 17, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Walker runs for key TD, Seahawks beat Cardinals 19-9
Rookie Kenneth Walker III rushed for an 11-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, and the Seattle Seahawks beat the Arizona Cardinals 19-9OCTOBER 16, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Won't play Week 6 Head coach Kliff Kingsbury said Williams (knee) won't play in Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact As expected, the sprained knee Williams suffered in the Week 5 loss to the Eagles will keep him out for at least one game, with Kingsbury also expressing uncertainty about the running back's chances of making it back for a Thursday night contest Week 7 against the Saints. Top back James Conner (ribs) is also set to sit out in Seattle, likely leaving Eno Benjamin in position to start and handle a lead role out of the Arizona backfield. Rookie sixth-round pick Keaontay Ingram and practice-squad call-up Corey Clement are expected to handle depth roles behind Benjamin.
OCTOBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Seahawks, Cardinals looking to keep pace in NFC West
Through the first five weeks there's been little separation of the teams in the NFC WestOCTOBER 13, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sitting out another practice Williams (knee) wasn't spotted on the practice field Thursday, Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site reports.
Impact Williams is absent from practice from the second day in a row and looks on track to sit out Sunday's game in Seattle, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Wednesday. Meanwhile, No. 1 back James Conner (ribs) is also sitting out Thursday's practice, while depth back Jonathan Ward (hamstring) was moved to injured reserve Wednesday. The lack of healthy options within the position group seemingly sets up Eno Benjamin to handle a sizable role this weekend if Conner is limited or out.
OCTOBER 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Cardinals RB Darrel Williams (knee) OUT Week 6 vs. Seahawks With starter James Conner questionable with a rib injury, Eno Benjamin could be in line for a hefty workload come Sunday.
OCTOBER 12, 2022 • NESN.COM
Unlikely to play in Week 6 Williams sprained his knee in Week 5 versus Philadelphia and is doubtful to play in Week 6, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Impact Williams is not expected to play Sunday against the Seahawks while nurses his sprained knee. In his absence, Eno Benjamin will likely absorb additional backfield snaps, potentially even starting with James Conner (ribs) questionable to play. The Cardinals signed both Corey Clement and Ty'Son Williams to their practice squad, adding additional depth to their banged up backfield.
OCTOBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Arizona's bad-start habit threatens to derail season goals
The Arizona Cardinals are a middling team these days with two major problems: They aren’t playing well in the first quarter and they aren’t playing well at homeOCTOBER 10, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Picks up knee injury Sunday Williams left Sunday's game due to a knee injury, Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports.
Impact In the waning moments of the third quarter, Williams was evaluated by team trainers on the sideline before walking to the locker room. This marks three Cardinals running back that got hurt Sunday after James Conner exited earlier with a rib concern and Jonathan Ward suffered a hamstring injury shortly after Williams. If Conner, Williams and Ward are unable to reenter the contest, Eno Benjamin will handle most of the work out of the backfield, as rookie sixth-round pick Keaontay Ingram was inactive again.
OCTOBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
Earns four touches Sunday Williams had four carries for 19 yards and couldn't gather in his only target during Sunday's 26-16 win at Carolina.
Impact Williams actually received the first touch among Cardinals running backs Week 4, but he logged the second-most offensive snaps (16 of 76) behind James Conner (50) and ahead of Eno Benjamin (11), while finishing third in touches behind Conner's 18 and Benjamin's six. As such, Williams still seems like the 2B option at best in the team's backfield, which doesn't give him much utility without an absence from one of Conner or Benjamin.
OCTOBER 5, 2022 • ROTOWIRE
