Preston Williams Ahead of Schedule on ACL Rehab

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Preston Williams began jogging and increasing the intensity of his rehabilitation workouts in late May after tearing his ACL in November against the New York Jets. This was first reported by the Miami Herald.

Williams has been allowed access to Miami’s team facilities as he works to complete his rehabilitation plan. Per NFL rule, players rehabbing injuries are the only ones allowed in team facilities during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Williams Increases Work Load

Williams recently began jogging and has increased intensity and strength repetitions for his exercises. This has put him on the path to hopefully be available for the Dolphins’ season-opener in New England.

Miami had originally feared Williams would not be available for any team offseason work or the beginning part of the season.

Miami Working Williams Toward Contact Cautiously

Though Williams has not been cleared for contact drills, his individual work growth will allow him the chance to see contact drills sooner, Miami said. However, the Dolphins also noted that they’re going to be cautious about inserting him into any full-team drills, training camp and preseason games. 

“He’ll be back, I believe, if he attacks his rehab and his training the way he did when he got here, he’ll be just fine,” head coach Brian Flores said.

• Dolphins Ink Safety Jevon Holland to Rookie Deal
• Miami Signs Veteran Linebacker Shaquem Griffin
• Dolphins Preseason Depth Chart: Defensive Preview & Prediction
• Pros and Cons of Miami’s Week 14 Bye
• Miami Wants First-Rounder for Xavien Howard, Suitors Rumored

Williams Back on Track After College Problems

Williams had a rocky college career, but seemed to find himself a more structured path after landing in Miami undrafted. He began at the University of Tennessee in 2015 and lasted nearly two seasons before leaving the Volunteers in the middle of 2016.

Williams sat out the 2017 season, per NCAA rule, after transferring to Colorado State. He forwent his senior season after 2018 and declared for the 2019 NFL Draft after leading the Mountain West Conference in receptions and receiving yards and had the second-most receiving touchdowns.

However, he did not get an invite to the 2019 NFL Combine because he didn’t meet the criteria under the NFL’s policy about past issues involving violence. Williams was arrested in 2017 for domestic violence after an altercation with his girlfriend. 

Williams Likely No. 2 WR When He Returns

Now three years after the incident, if Williams is available for the 2020 season opener, he will likely be Miami’s No. 2 receiver.

At this time, DeVante Parker would enter as the No. 1 and Albert Wilson would be bumped down to No. 3 and play time in the slot.

Williams tore his ACL returning a punt in the fourth quarter of the early November divisional home game. He had two touchdowns on the day before his departure, giving him three on the season and finished his rookie campaign with 32 catches for 428 yards.

– Kayla Morton is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @northdakayla74 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.