Williams received a six-game suspension Tuesday for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
The undrafted rookie out of LSU had suited up in three of the Buccaneers' first nine games this season, carrying four times for 11 yards. Williams has received most of his playing time on special teams, though he had been active as the team's No. 3 running back behind Rachaad White and Sean Tucker over the previous two games while Bucky Irving (shoulder/foot) has remained sidelined. With Irving not expected to return to action Week 11 at Buffalo, expect the Buccaneers to elevate one of Owen Wright or Michael Wiley to serve as their No. 3 back in Williams' absence.
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: Career-high four carries in win
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Williams rushed four times for 11 yards in the Buccaneers' 23-3 win over the Saints on Sunday.
The undrafted rookie logged a career-high six snaps on offense behind Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, and he recorded the first four carries of his career in the process. The fact the Saints never threatened and the Buccaneers were in firm control of the game throughout the second half facilitated Williams' opportunity, but if Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) is able to finally get healthy over Tampa Bay's Week 9 bye, Williams could be relegated to just special-teams duty or inactive status in a Week 10 home matchup against the Patriots.
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: Full participant in walkthrough
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Williams (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's walkthrough practice, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
Williams was unable to play against the Lions on Monday while in the league's concussion protocol. His full participation in Wednesday's walkthrough is a step in the right direction for the 24-year-old running back, but he'll have to be cleared by an independent neurologist in order to be available for Sunday's road game against the Saints.
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: Won't play against Detroit
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Williams (concussion) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lions, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
Williams will remain in the league's concussion protocol, which will cause him to miss Monday night's road game. With Williams and Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) both ruled out, Rachaad White will lead the Buccaneers backfield while Sean Tucker serves as the backup running back and a return specialist. Williams' next opportunity to play is Week 8 against the Saints on Sunday, Oct. 26.
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Buccaneers' Josh Williams: In concussion protocol
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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: Won't play Week 2
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
