San Francisco 49ers: Biggest winners and losers from first week of training camp 2018
By Peter Panacy
Loser: Running Back Joe Williams
One of the primary players with whom Matt Breida is competing for the No. 2 tailback role is second-year pro Joe Williams.
San Francisco 49ers
Williams, of course, was redshirted his rookie season with an ankle injury. And after a 2017 training camp and preseason marked by ball-security issues and inconsistency, it’s safe to say Williams is on the hot seat entering camp this year.
According to Niners Wire’s Chris Biderman (h/t David Bonilla of 49ers Webzone), Williams “has looked explosive at times, while other runs have been bogged down by strong play from the defense.”
On one hand, it’s good Williams has flashed the explosiveness the 49ers identified back when they drafted him in Round 4 last year.
Yet Williams needs to do far more than just flash. With Jerick McKinnon solidified as the featured tailback, and Breida already distinguishing himself during practice, Williams’ chances to crack the 53-man roster are getting fewer.
And remember, Kyle Shanahan called for Williams to “turn up the urgency” this season.
Over one week, it hasn’t happened quite to the desired levels.