Ryan

Williams

Given a 9-12 month recovery timetable, Williams has just recently begun jogging again. As evidenced by the struggles of Cadillac Williams and Mark Clayton, the recovery rate for torn patella tendons isn’t close to that of ACLs. It’s fair to question whether Williams will ever regain his pre-injury explosiveness and quickness.

Williams underwent surgery to repair a torn patella tendon in addition to meniscus damage on August 22, so he’s just under nine months removed. “I am running and cutting and doing things I didn’t think I’d be doing this early,” he said. “I’m not worried about it.” The Cards didn’t draft a back or even sign an undrafted free agent ball carrier. They’re clearly counting on Williams for 2012.

Last year’s 38th overall pick, Williams is questionable for training camp after missing the entire 2011 season with a ruptured patellar tendon. Assuming he doesn’t have any setbacks, he should compete for passing-down work and serve as a complement to starter Beanie Wells.

On March 24, Williams reported on Twitter that he was 75-percent recovered from patellar tendon surgery. Although it’s unclear how far along he is today, it’s a good sign that last year’s 38th overall pick was able to take part. If he can get back to full strength in time for the regular season, Williams will be in line for a complementary role behind Beanie Wells.

Williams could potentially be healthy for OTAs, but the Cards won’t push it. By all accounts, the 21-year-old’s recovery is going well. “No injury is going to stop me, unless one of my legs is (cut) off,” said Williams. Last year’s 38th overall draft pick, Williams’ 2012 role will be determined by his recovery. Ideally, he could be an explosive change-up back behind Beanie Wells.

Playing through a knee injury, Wells has taken 71 percent of the carries only because the coaching staff isn’t comfortable with Chester Taylor, Alfonso Smith, or LaRod Stephens-Howling as the No. 2 back. From 2008-2010, no Cardinals back earned more than 48 percent of the workload. Wells has solidified himself as the starter, and will likely contribute closer to 60-65 percent next season.

Williams hasn’t reached the point in his recovery where he’s ready to participate with teammates. The Cardinals will limit his activity until training camp.

The Cards are exercising caution with Wells, who is aiming for a training camp return. Ryan Williams (knee surgery) continues to practice on a limited basis.

“Fair or not,” notes beat writer Kent Somers, “the perception lingers around the Cardinals facility that (Ryan) Williams will have to be restrained from practicing too much and that Wells will have to be prodded a bit.” That’s not to suggest the coaching staff has soured on Wells, just that he reaches peak performance when properly motivated. Returning from a knee injury that has been career-threatening in the past, Williams isn’t a strong bet to unseat Wells during the season.

Williams is one year removed from his patellar tendon tear and has been limited so far in training camp. “I’m in no rush to get back on the knee,” he said. “I’m just chilling. Rehab is going well. It’s just not worth it to risk it in a game that doesn’t mean that much.” The Cardinals backfield is a mess with both Beanie Wells (knee) and Williams below 100 percent. We’d like to see each make cuts on the field before using a draft pick on either.