Jonah Williams at Bengals minicamp; on track to be ready for training camp
As if there was ever any doubt, Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Jonah Williams has reported to mandatory minicamp, still on his way back from dislocating his kneecap during one of the team's five playoff wins in the past two years. Playoff wins he's helped make happen. Williams had been doing his recovery out in his […]
As if there was ever any doubt, Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Jonah Williams has reported to mandatory minicamp, still on his way back from dislocating his kneecap during one of the team's five playoff wins in the past two years. Playoff wins he's helped make happen.
Williams had been doing his recovery out in his home state of California during the offseason, away from Cincinnati and voluntary OTAs. It's where he decided he'd make the most progress getting back to 100%.
But 100% is apparently the minimum of what the former first-round pick expects to be when training camp rolls around next month.
The surgical procedure to repair his knee was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the same doctor who fixed Joe Burrow's torn knee nearly three years ago. According to man under the scalpel, it's only looking tremendously up from here.
"They strapped (the kneecap) back down and it's stronger than ever," Williams told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "After training on it, I think it's going to be way better than 100 percent."
And will he use that greater than 100% repaired knee to sulk around? Of course not. Williams is set to compete for a starting job at a position he hasn't played in nearly seven years.
Williams notably requested a trade this offseason after Orlando Brown Jr. agreed to a massive four-year deal to effectively replace him at left tackle. The aspect that cannot be forgotten that is a functional NFL offense needs two functional NFL tackles. Williams happens to still be one.
The trade request happened. The Bengals were at least open to pursuing it, and a deal was never reached with another club. No matter. The team is better with him on it, and any idea that Williams was going to create a locker room disturbance remaining here was shortsighted to begin with.
"Watching the Chiefs. He's a great player. I'm happy to have him," Williams said of Brown Jr. "No hard feelings or anything like that. I'm looking forward to getting to know him better.
"I'll be happy to be a contributor on a team where I have so many great teammates. l love everyone in the room, love the coaches, love the fans. I'm stoked."
The Bengals should be stoked as well. With Williams projected to make a full return in time for the pads to come on, they'll have a starter who knows the system ready to compete for the last remaining spot on the offensive line. Getting La'el Collins back in the picture shortly afterwards will only make for a tougher battle.
Featured image via © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
