The Dallas Cowboys set out to fix their run game in 2025-and so far, mission accomplished.
Under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas made it a priority to bring balance to the offense and take some of the weight off Dak Prescott’s shoulders. That meant committing to the ground game in a real way, and the front office followed through with a pair of strategic hires: Klayton Adams, a former offensive line coach, was promoted to offensive coordinator, while Conor Riley-known for crafting elite run schemes at the college level-took over the offensive line.
But the biggest move came in the backfield.
**Enter Javonte Williams. ** Once a promising second-round pick in Denver, Williams was available at a discount due to a knee injury that had derailed his early NFL career.
Dallas took a calculated risk, and it’s paid off in a major way. Williams has looked like the bruising, explosive back he was projected to be before the injury-running with power, vision, and a chip on his shoulder.
That said, there’s been a bit of a scare heading into Week 16.
Injury Update: Javonte Williams
Williams exited the Cowboys’ Week 15 win after suffering a shoulder/neck injury in the first half. He was replaced briefly by Malik Davis, but returned to the field later in the game.
While he continued to handle carries, the team clearly limited his role in pass protection-an area where he typically excels. Williams is one of the better blocking backs in the league, and his absence in that phase was noticeable.
Throughout the week, he was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. But Friday brought good news: Williams was a full participant, and the Cowboys removed him from the final injury report. That’s a strong signal he’ll be ready to go Sunday.
By the Numbers: Williams’ 2025 Season
Let’s talk production. Williams has been a workhorse this year, racking up 230 carries for 1,113 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
He’s added another 128 yards and two scores through the air on 33 receptions. That’s 12 total touchdowns and over 1,200 yards from scrimmage-numbers that speak to both his durability and versatility in this offense.
This isn’t just stat-padding, either. Williams has delivered in key moments, and his physical style has helped set the tone for a Cowboys offense that’s found real identity in its run game.
Game Log Highlights
A look at his week-by-week performance shows just how consistent-and occasionally explosive-he’s been:
- Week 2 vs. Giants: 97 yards and a touchdown on the ground, plus 6 catches
- Week 5 vs. Jets: 135 rushing yards and two total touchdowns
- Week 7 vs. Commanders: 116 yards and a score
- Week 15 vs. Vikings: 91 yards and a TD before the injury scare
Williams has topped 80 rushing yards seven times this season, and he’s scored in nine of his 14 games. Whether it’s grinding out tough yards or breaking off chunk plays, he’s been the engine of this revamped rushing attack.
Looking Ahead: Cowboys vs. Chargers
Next up, the Cowboys host the Los Angeles Chargers in a noon kickoff on Sunday, airing on FOX. With Williams cleared to play, expect Dallas to continue leaning on the run game to control tempo and keep Prescott in rhythm.
If Williams is close to full strength-and all signs point that way-the Cowboys will be getting back a key piece of their offensive identity at just the right time. With the playoffs looming, his ability to keep defenses honest and pick up tough yards could be the difference between a one-dimensional attack and a balanced, postseason-ready offense.
Bottom line: Javonte Williams is back, and the Cowboys are better for it.