Tramon

Williams

Today is Williams’ 38th birthday. Williams spent the majority of his career in Green Bay but also made stops in Cleveland, Arizona and Baltimore. His last act was serving as an emergency reserve for the Packers’ NFC Championship Game loss to the Bucs. A 2010 Pro Bowler, Williams was never an All-Pro, just a consistently solid starter. He picked off 34 passes across 205 career games.

The team moved Williams -- who signed with the Packers this week -- from the practice squad to the active roster as a COVID-19 replacement. They also released RB Dexter Williams from the practice squad. Williams, 37, played six games with Baltimore this season. It looks like he’ll see the field Sunday in the NFC title game.

Williams, 37, who played six games with Baltimore this season, returns for his third go-round in Green Bay. He’ll be little more than a depth option in the excellent Packers secondary as the team chases a Super Bowl.

Williams had a workout this week and should be signed to the 53-man roster soon. A long-time Packer, Williams played six games for the Ravens in 2020. He’d be a depth option and veteran spark plug only for Green Bay this late into the season. Williams is 37 years old.

The 37-year-old corner appeared in all 16 games for the Packers last season, making seven starts. He provides highly experienced depth while the Ravens wait for Marlon Humphrey to come off the COVID-19 list.

Williams took a big and ultimately illegal hit while fielding a punt in the second quarter. He eventually walked back into the locker room to be evaluated. The Packers are also without Jaire Alexander, who has been ruled out with a groin injury.

“It was positive from what we thought,” said McCarthy. “Tramon’s a Pro Bowl-caliber football player. He allows us to play certain ways.” The Packers caught a break here after Williams appeared to suffer a potential serious injury in the fourth quarter Thursday night. He should be available for Week 2.

The Packers aren’t planning on updating Williams’ status until Wednesday. The rising star corner suffered a bruised shoulder late in last week’s win over the Saints.

Williams isn’t quite over the hump yet, but McCarthy says he doesn’t need practice to play in a game. After Cam Newton’s big Week 1, the Packers may be a bit more inclined to rush Williams back for Sunday’s tilt with the Panthers.

Williams was inactive against Green Bay, and Steve Smith promptly smoked Charles Woodson (with safety help) for 156 receiving yards. “I was close but I just want to make the right decision,” Williams said. “I want to make sure I don’t miss too many games. I’d rather miss one or two games than miss eight or nine games.” The Packers may have been targeting the Bears for Williams’ return all along. They travel to Chicago in Week 3.