Rams Name Kyren Williams Starting Punt Returner

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has named starting running back Kyren Williams as the team’s punt returner.

Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic shared the news via Twitter/X.

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Sean McVay says Kyren Williams will be the Rams’ punt returner.

— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) August 27, 2024

McVay told the media that naming Williams the new punt returner is another way for him to get touches and make an impact on the game. This move was made confidently, as the Rams are comfortable with what backup running backs Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers are providing to the team.

Last season, the Rams had one of the worst special teams in recent memory. Not only was their kicking team horrendous, but they also didn’t have a reliable punt or kick returner.

Williams has established himself as one of the more explosive players in the league, and he showed that in his first full season as the Rams RB1. The 24-year-old had a career year, which came as quite a surprise to many.

The former Notre Dame standout tallied 228 rushing attempts for 1,144 rushing yards — the third most in the NFL — 12 rushing touchdowns, and averaged 5.0 yards per carry in only 12 games and 11 starts. While Williams was spectacular last season, injuries hampered his season a bit.

In 2023, he suffered a sprained left ankle injury after finishing with a season-high 158 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries as the Rams won 26–9 over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6. Williams was placed on the injured reserve and missed four games in the process. It was not pretty for the Rams during that stretch, as he brought a whole new dynamic to the team with him out there.

Williams’ 2023 season was special, as he was named to his first Pro Bowl and to the Second-Team All-Pro.

That was just the tip of the iceberg regarding Williams’ injuries since entering the NFL. After the Rams selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, it was announced that he suffered a broken foot in practice and underwent surgery. After not playing in the preseason, Williams suffered a high ankle sprain on the first play of the 2022 season and was placed on injured reserve. He only played 10 games in his rookie season.

Williams suffered a left-hand injury prior to the Rams’ loss to the Lions in the Wild Card round. It’s been injury after injury for Williams, but he hopes that will change in 2024.

While Williams will still be the Rams’ lead back, a lot should be taken off his plate, which should mean that he takes less of a toll in the trenches.

Health will be a massive factor for the Rams and Williams as they look to build off their solid 2023 season.