It was an extremely quiet New York Jets' debut for wide receiver Mike Williams.
Less than 12 months removed from an ACL tear, Williams was never expected to play a full game in Week 1 but he was hardly a factor on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. He was on field for only 9 of 51 offensive snaps and finished with no receiving targets.
"We were trying to get him to 15 last week," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh on Friday in Florham Park.
The manner in which the season opener unfolded, however, stifled that plan. The Jets logged only 49 offensive plays and suffered a 17-minute deficit in time of possession during the 32-19 road loss. The hope is that the Week 2 game flow will be more conducive to getting Williams involved against Tennessee Titans.
"Obviously, there are not enough opportunities. If we could've got to a 65-play game, like it normally would be, we would've been on pace, so yes, long story short we are trying to get him on the field more," said Saleh.
Williams began training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list and didn't participate in team practice drills until the final week of summer. The Monday Night Football opener was the receiver's first game action since September 24, 2023 when he was injured against the Minnesota Vikings. In 2.5 games last year, Williams totaled 19 receptions for 249 yards and one touchdown.
When back to form, Williams will help the Jets stretch the field and give quarterback Aaron Rodgers a dangerous weapon to target on the outside. The former Top 10 overall draft pick owns a 15.6 yards per reception average.
With Williams on the sideline most of the night, Allen Lazard stepped up and performed admirably as the WR2 opposite top dog Garrett Wilson. Rodgers's old Green Bay Packers' teammate went for 89 yards and two touchdowns on six catches.
Williams was listed on the injury report this past week but was a full participant every day. He's clear for Sunday's game.
More New York Jets News:
• Allen Lazard's two-word response on difference from first season with Jets
• Jets' veteran starter potentially on hot seat heading into NFL Week 2
• Why this Jets' defender has most to prove in Week 2 vs. Titans
• 49ers' superstar edge rusher disses Jets while preparing for Vikings
• Jets sign former seven-year starter to Practice Squad as OL insurance
