Jamaal Williams works out for Patriots in bid to revive NFL career

Former NFL rushing touchdown leader Jamaal Williams is trying to get back into the league, taking part in a workout with the New England Patriots this week. The veteran running back has been out of the NFL for more than a year, last suiting up for the New Orleans Saints and totaling 470 rushing yards and two touchdowns across two seasons there.

Patriots explore depth after Stevenson injury scare

New England’s current running back group features Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and Corey Kiner. Stevenson and Henderson have helped power a top‑10 rushing offense through four games, combining for 304 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.

Concern at the position spiked during the Patriots’ 29-26 upset of the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, when Stevenson appeared to suffer a lower‑body injury on his final touch. He was twisted awkwardly while being hit by three defenders, then limped to the sideline to meet with trainers and did not return for the remainder of the drive as New England tried to run out the clock.

Stevenson was not seen in a walking boot or on crutches after the game, but his absence in crunch time drew attention. He leads the team with 163 rushing yards and one touchdown on 44 carries so far this season. More clarity on his status is expected when head coach Mike Vrabel’s club releases its midweek injury report.

Bringing in Williams for a workout does not automatically mean Stevenson will miss time. The Patriots could simply be looking to bolster their depth with a veteran, potentially via the practice squad, as they navigate the early part of the schedule.

From record year in Detroit to uncertainty

Williams’ peak came in 2022 with the Detroit Lions, when he led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns and ran for 1,066 yards. Serving as Jared Goff’s primary back, he helped Detroit post its first winning season in five years and became a force in short‑yardage and goal‑line situations. His breakout year led to a three‑year deal with the Saints in free agency, while the Lions turned to Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to fill the void.

Before that, the BYU product was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round in 2017, the first of three backs they selected that year. He led Green Bay in rushing as a rookie while Aaron Rodgers missed significant time with a broken collarbone, then settled into a complementary role behind Aaron Jones. Over 60 games with the Packers, Williams piled up 1,985 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

His stint in New Orleans was hampered by a hamstring issue that limited him to 306 rushing yards and one touchdown in his first season with the club. He followed that with 164 yards and one score the next year, extending his streak to eight straight seasons with at least one rushing touchdown, before the Saints released him in March. Williams reportedly worked out for the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2025 season but did not land a deal.

In a recent conversation with reporter Jordan Schultz, Williams urged other unsigned players to keep believing in their abilities, saying they should continue playing as long as they feel they can still perform. His latest audition in Foxborough is the clearest sign yet that he believes there is more football left in his career.