Sean McVay appears to be a gambler.
McVay, the Los Angeles Rams’ head coach, startled many fans on Tuesday by disclosing the team’s plans for running back sensation Kyren Williams. McVay stated that Williams will serve as the Rams’ punt returner in addition to his regular offensive duties.
Williams, 24, emerged as a Rams star last season, rushing for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a receiver, he contributed 206 yards and three touchdowns, receiving Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition for his efforts.
Williams, a former Notre Dame star, is one of the league’s shiftier runners, and he excels at finding open spaces both with the ball in his hands and while running routes. However, the Rams will be taking a significant risk by using him as a punt returner this season.
Williams, at 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, is undersized for his position. He also has a history of ailments, having been placed on injured reserve twice in the prior two seasons (due to high-ankle sprains).
NFL teams rarely deploy their best skill players on special teams, owing to the unneeded injury risk. While Williams had punt return experience in college and returned three of them for the Rams last season, it may be as foolish an idea as the one that another NFL team considered earlier this offseason.
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