Williams (concussion) won't play Sunday against the 49ers, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
Williams was evaluated for a concussion and cleared to return during Tampa Bay's Week 5 win over the Seahawks, but he experienced concussion symptoms after Thursday's practice and was subsequently placed in concussion protocol. Despite the absence of Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) against Seattle, Williams' contributions were limited to kickoff returns on special teams. Williams' next chance to play will come Oct. 20 against the Lions.
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: Serves as kickoff returner in win
Rotowire
Williams returned five kickoffs for 129 yards in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win over the Seahawks on Sunday.
With Sean Tucker moving into the No. 2 running back role Sunday as part of the domino effect of the absence of Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder), Williams had an opportunity to move into the kickoff-returner role and handled it with success. Williams even got in for two snaps on offense but didn't log any touches in what was his first game with active status this season. The undrafted LSU product remains at the bottom of the running back depth chart, but he could reprise his special-teams duties Week 6 against the 49ers since Irving is expected to remain out for that contest.
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: Won't play Week 2
Rotowire
Williams (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's game against the Texans, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Williams will be in street clothes for a second straight week. It appears the undrafted rookie is unlikely to be active for gameday unless Bucky Irving, Rachaad White or Sean Tucker were to miss time due to injury, illness or suspension. Williams put together a nice preseason, finishing with 13 carries for 49 yards and two catches on as many targets for 16 yards across two games.
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: Won't make NFL debut vs. Atlanta
Rotowire
Williams (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Falcons.
Williams managed to crack the Buccaneers' 53-man roster after a strong training camp, but the undrafted rookie out of LSU will be in street clothes for Week 1 as Tampa Bay goes with a three-man backfield of Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. Williams' next chance to make his NFL regular-season debut is Week 2 against the Texans on Monday, Sept. 15.
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: Productive to close out preseason
Rotowire
Williams rushed eight times for 28 yards and brought in his only target for three yards in the Buccaneers' 23-19 preseason loss to the Bills on Saturday night. He also returned three kickoffs for 108 yards.
Williams put forth a solid case in his final bid for a spot on the 53-man roster, particularly with his work as a returner. The LSU product's ability to contribute on special teams could give him some leverage in the coaching staff's eyes, but come the regular season, Williams will find touches from scrimmage hard to come by as long as the top trio of Bucky Irving, Rachaad White (groin) and Sean Tucker is healthy.
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: Back at practice Monday
Rotowire
Williams (hamstring) participated in Monday's training camp practice, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
Williams has been sidelined for much of the last two weeks due to a hamstring strain, which caused him to miss Saturday's preseason game against the Titans. He's recovered enough to return to practice, and the undrafted rookie will resume his battle against Sean Tucker and Owen Wright for the RB3 job behind Bucky Irving and Rachaad White (groin).
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: Getting chance with Bucs
Rotowire
Tampa Bay signed Williams as an undrafted free agent Friday, Scott Smith of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Like his father Jermaine did in 1997, Williams will begin his pro football career as an undrafted free agent in Tampa Bay. He spent five seasons at LSU, accumulating 1,494 rushing yards, 600 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns. Now he figures to compete for Tampa's third slot on the depth chart at running back with the likes of Sean Tucker and D.J. Williams.
