Kasen

Williams

He takes the roster spot of Tyler Lockett (leg), who was sent to injured reserve. Williams was an intriguing “name” UDFA coming out of Washington in 2015, but he’s only appeared in two games, making one eight-yard grab. Williams has spent the better part of the past two years in Seattle.

McEvoy now has a slimmer chance to crack the 53-man roster after missing the past few weeks with a bone removal in his big toe. With Tyler Lockett, Jermaine Kearse, and McEvoy missing time, third-year WR Kasen Williams has worked with the first team alongside Doug Baldwin and Paul Richardson. McEvoy and Williams are competing for one of the final roster spots.

Building on his 4-119 line from last week, Williams ran exclusively with the Russell Wilson group, playing 11 of the first 15 snaps while making a 27-yard one-handed catch in Xavier Rhodes’ coverage before then nabbing a one-yard touchdown on a fade. Williams could (should) have had another touchdown but dropped a 45-yarder that hit him in the belly. Williams is passing Jermaine Kearse for No. 4 receiver duties behind Doug Baldwin, Paul Richardson, and Tyler Lockett, and both Richardson and Lockett have big durability concerns.

Williams couldn’t have done much more to make the team. He had a monster preseason, catching nine passes for 208 yards and one touchdown. He should get claimed on waivers come Sunday. Tanner McEvoy and third-rounder Amara Darboh are now the favorites for Nos. 4-5 receiver duties.

Cleveland continues to overhaul its receiver group, adding Sammie Coates and Williams to Kenny Britt and Corey Coleman over the past 24 hours. It’s bad news for youngsters Rashard Higgins and Ricardo Louis. Williams was arguably the best receiver this preseason, posting a 9-208-1 line as a 25-year-old. Williams doesn’t figure to have a prominent role early on for the Browns.

“More opportunities are definitely coming,” Williams confidently said. Picked up off waivers from the Seahawks after a great preseason, Williams should have had a long catch in Week 1 but just failed to stay in bounds. He is already pushing Ricardo Louis for playing time, and Kenny Britt’s spot atop the depth chart appears tenuous. Williams is a name to watch.

Williams hauled in all four of his targets and nearly scored in the second half, but he was ruled out at the 1-yard line. He is well down the depth chart, but that could change if he continues to produce like this. Williams obviously won’t unseat Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Tyler Lockett or Paul Richardson anytime soon, but he is in the mix for a roster spot. His biggest challengers are rookie Amara Darboh, Kenny Lawler, Rodney Smith and Tanner McEvoy.

Williams failed his physical when he reported to Bengals camp. Oft-injured at the University of Washington, Williams will now get a shot with his hometown NFL team. Williams was a big recruit out of high school, but underachieved with the Huskies and showed sub-par athleticism at the Combine.

It’s unknown why Williams failed his physical, though it’s likely related to the Lisfranc injury he suffered in 2013. Rob Rang of CBS Sports believes Williams’ hometown Seahawks will bring him in for a visit this weekend. Even if Williams lands elsewhere, he’s unlikely to be a difference maker in the NFL.

Williams (6'2/218) arrived at Washington as a top-100 recruit and looked the part as a sophomore with a 77-878-6 receiving line. Unfortunately, Williams regressed after a severe Lisfranc/fibula injury in 2013. He was a part-time player as a senior, starting 6-of-14 games and managing 20 catches with 189 yards and two TDs. Williams showed below-average athleticism at his Pro Day, running 4.63 with a 9-foot-11 broad jump. At this stage, Williams’ best chance at a pro career may be in the CFL.