Mike Williams' journey back from an ACL tear crossed another checkpoint Thursday.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh, following what he tabbed a "really nice" practice for Williams, said the wide receiver will "be available" Week 1 when New York faces San Francisco on Sept. 9.
"We're gonna be very smart with how we use him, but he's gonna be plenty available to make his mark felt," Saleh said.
Saleh said the team will approach Williams similarly to how it did running back Breece Hall last year, who was also coming off an ACL tear. Hall made an impact, but wasn't immediately given a full workload.
On Thursday, Williams was back in team drills and impressed Saleh with his work.
"I think he had like four or five catches, well over 100 yards," the coach said, "but I thought he had a really nice day today."
Williams suffered the torn ACL early in the 2023 season, ending his time with the Chargers after seven seasons. He hopped on board with the Jets in the offseason with the understanding he'd need time to recover before he'd be ready to take the field for his new team. Williams gave the Jets reason to be optimistic when he returned from the physically unable to perform list on Aug. 7, which was earlier than expected.
New York wasn't about to rush Williams back, though, and continues to take the same approach as it nears the season opener.
Williams turns 30 in October and, for the first time in his career -- which has been peppered with a variety of injuries -- he'll wear a different uniform. New York added him with one goal in mind: Provide Aaron Rodgers with a big-bodied, proven veteran receiver who can help elevate a Jets offense that has struggled in recent years, largely due to instability under center.
Everything appears to be following that plan.
