Just before the first padded practice of 2020 training camp begins, the Detroit Lions announced one roster move. The team announced on Monday morning that they’ve signed former Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Williams.
Williams was drafted in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He carried the ball just 27 times in his rookie season and didn’t make the team the following year. From there, he bounced to the Broncos and Saints with no significant field time. However, last season the former Arkansas running back served as a replacement starter for the Colts midway through 2019. In Weeks 11 and 12, he put together back-to-back 100-yard games, before being delegated back to a depth role.
Williams is a bruiser type of back that could compete with Bo Scarbrough for the power back role in this offense. At 6-foot, 217 pounds, he’s a little less bulky than Scarbrough (6-foot, 235), but in college that strong running style led to 12 touchdowns in his final season at Arkansas.
To make room for Williams on the roster, the Lions waived running back Wes Hills. Last year, Hills made one start for the Lions, rushing for 21 yards on 10 carries, but he also found the end zone twice.
The Lions roster remains at 80 players—the maximum amount allowed at this point in the offseason.