The Denver Broncos saw one of their star players go down during the Week 4 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Early in the third quarter of the game between the Broncos and Raiders, second-year running back Javonte Williams went down with a knee injury. He entered the blue medical tent before a sideline report noted that he had to be carted to the locker room and will not return to the game.
This would be a tremendous blow for a Broncos offense that has struggled to move the ball consistently this season. Williams is easily the team’s best running back and the depth behind him is shaky.
Melvin Gordon fumbled the ball in the second quarter and it was picked up and ran back for a touchdown by the Raiders, giving them a lead that they currently have not relinquished. It was Gordon’s fourth fumble in four games this season.
That won’t get it done.
Directly after Williams was hurt, the team turned to little-used Mike Boone, showing a lack of confidence in Gordon.
If this proves to be a severe injury that is going to sideline Williams for a significant length of time, the Broncos will absolutely have to look elsewhere for options at running back.
Devine Ozigbo is the only other running back on the roster as he is currently on the team’s practice squad.
This will certainly be a situation to follow as this key AFC West game concludes but there are few players on the entire roster who the Broncos can’t afford to lose more than Williams, who has run the ball well when his number has been called this season.
Prior to having to leave the game, Williams had 10 carries for 28 yards. The Broncos will be forced to rely on Gordon and Boone for the remainder of the contest.