Mike Williams has spent his first few months as a Jet as a spectator.
The vast receiver, who signed with the staff in March, has been rehabbing his left knee this spring and watching his teammates undergo OTA practices then minicamp this week.
“That’s been powerful,” Williams stated Wednesday. “Simply watching these guys day by day and desirous to be on the market. You don’t need to go too quick. You simply need to stick with the schedule, stick with this system and belief the method. That’s my major factor: Belief the method. I’ve seen loads of progress, so simply maintain your head down, maintain working.”
Williams suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in September with the Chargers.
The harm ended his season, and he has been on the trail again since.
The Jets signed Williams to a one-year, $10 million deal in March, hoping he would be capable to give them a complement to Garrett Wilson.
The Jets haven’t put an actual timeline on Williams’ return, however coach Robert Saleh stated it will likely be much like Breece Corridor final 12 months. Corridor sat out most of coaching camp as he returned from an ACL tear.
He practiced in late August and was able to play in Week 1. Williams stated his aim is to be prepared for the common season.
“That’s my aim, to have the ability to go on the market and play the season, give it my all, give this staff an opportunity and win the large factor,” Williams stated.
Williams is a little bit of an X issue. A wholesome and productive Williams can open issues up within the offense for all the staff’s playmakers.
“I believe he’ll do wonders for all of them,” Saleh stated. “I believe even for Breece. One, Garrett not getting double-teamed. Two, with the mix of our talent guys and Aaron [Rodgers], you’d wish to assume you’d see extra two-high [coverage], which can open up among the run recreation. The sooner he will get to full velocity, I believe it’s simply going to be extra troublesome for defenses to pinpoint who they need to cease.”
Williams turns 30 in October. Moreover his well being, there may be additionally a query of whether or not he can nonetheless produce like he did just a few years in the past for the Chargers. He had 76 catches for 1,146 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2021. However these numbers dropped to 63 catches for 895 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2022.
Williams stated he’s assured he may also help the offense put up factors.
“I believe I can complement the receiving group properly,” Williams stated. “I might be that massive, bodily receiver that may make performs downfield, catch slants or do no matter it takes actually. Simply getting the place I slot in, make performs and get this factor rolling.”
Jets backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor performed with Williams with the Chargers. He stated earlier this spring that Williams can flip a 50-50 ball into an 80-20 ball.
“For me, I simply attempt to catch each ball that comes my method. That’s the principle factor,” Williams stated. “The quarterback is giving you a chance, simply take each alternative and run with it. That’s my major factor. You don’t know what number of alternatives you’re going to get, so each time you get the possibility to catch the ball, it doesn’t matter what kind of protection or protection they’re enjoying towards you, simply catch the ball.”
For now, all Williams can do is watch and wait. He stated he’ll spend the break earlier than coaching camp on the Jets facility and gained’t go dwelling or on any holidays. Williams will proceed together with his rehab, hoping to be again on the sphere quickly.
“That is what I do,” Williams stated. “I play soccer. I need to get up and do it day by day. Simply not with the ability to go on the market with the blokes and do that’s irritating.”
