The Dallas Cowboys are getting a key piece of their offense back at full strength just in time for a pivotal Week 16 clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. Running back Javonte Williams, who briefly exited last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings with a shoulder stinger, is officially off the injury report and ready to roll.
That’s big news for Dallas - and not just because Williams is active. He’s been the engine of this Cowboys offense all season long.
Cowboys RB Javonte Williams said his shoulder stinger is good this week. Expects to play on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/MTvhWO8nA2
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) December 18, 2025
Through 14 games, the former second-round pick has racked up 1,113 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 230 carries. He’s also chipped in as a reliable option through the air, catching 33 passes for 128 yards and two more scores.
In a league where true bell-cow backs are becoming increasingly rare, Williams has been exactly that for Dallas, logging a hefty 72.5% of the team’s offensive snaps this season.
Last week’s injury clearly limited him - he played just 28.6% of the snaps against Minnesota - but even in a reduced role, he made his presence felt. Williams touched the ball on 15 of his 20 snaps, finishing with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown. That kind of production in limited action speaks volumes about both his toughness and his importance to this offense.
Now, with his shoulder no longer a concern heading into Sunday’s matchup, the Cowboys are set to lean on him once again - and the matchup looks favorable. The Chargers have been middle-of-the-pack against the run in terms of EPA per rush (13th in the NFL), but they’re still giving up 4.5 yards per carry on the ground. That’s the kind of number that should have Dallas’ offensive line and Williams licking their chops.
Williams has hit 15 or more carries in 11 games this season, including each of the last six. Since the start of November, he’s averaging 17.7 carries per game - a clear sign that the Cowboys trust him to carry the load when it matters most. And he’s been efficient with those touches, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and clearing 72.5 rushing yards in nine games.
The Chargers have shown flashes of defensive improvement recently, but containing a healthy Williams is a tall task. With no injury designation heading into the weekend, expect the Cowboys to feed their workhorse early and often - especially with playoff seeding still in play.
Bottom line: Javonte Williams is back, and that’s a major boost for a Cowboys team looking to bounce back in a big way.