Jameson Williams Playing Current Drama Perfectly After Lions' Bye
During the Detroit Lions' bye week, one of the main topics of conversation has been Jameson Williams' lack of involvement in the offense. The talented wide receiver has not been a big part of the offense to start the season and is currently on pace for 702 yards and four touchdowns for the season. In Detroit's last game before the bye, he finished with zero catches on only two targets.
Normally, a player of Williams' caliber would make a big deal about his situation, especially after securing a three-year, $83 million extension over the offseason. Immediately following his breakout campaign in 2024, getting minimized like this would upset any 24-year-old starter. Williams, on the other hand, has been playing it perfectly.
Williams Succeeds in Putting Lack of Touches at Center During Bye Week
After the Lions' win over the Bucs, when he was a complete non-factor, Williams posted a series of eyebrow-raising stories on his Instagram, implying his frustration about not getting the ball all game. He got the team's attention, but didn't go any further. This resulted in offensive coordinator John Morton taking responsibility for Williams' lack of involvement, saying that Morton has "failed him."
Williams responded appreciatively, saying that it meant a lot to him that Morton acknowledged the situation, per MLive's Ben Raven. He also denied being mad or frustrated, adding that he will continue playing the right way and doing the right things, and the offense will sort itself out.
Compare this to other star receivers around the league, like AJ Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Lions fans should be grateful that Williams is not making a bigger deal out of this. This should also benefit him when the Lions take on the Vikings in Week 9.
The way Williams handled it could prove to be the most beneficial for him, as Morton will almost certainly try to get him more touches moving forward. Williams made his voice heard without being too much of a distraction, alienating his teammates, or upsetting the coaching staff.
The best way the Lions can utilize Williams more effectively is by adding more diversity in his targets. Williams' average depth of target went up from 11.2 yards last season to 17 this season, suggesting that he has been pigeonholed as merely a deep threat. Ben Johnson was doing a better job getting him the ball through quick throws, and Morton needs to take something from that playbook.
J.K. Dobbins Sends Strong Message on Broncos Future
Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins says that the thought of a contract extension hasn’t crossed his mind, but he wants to stay regardless. “I hope to end my career here and be here for the rest of my time in the NFL. Far as extension and all that, though, I don’t think about that. … But,
“I hope to end my career here … I want to be in Denver. I love it. I love the fan base … I love Sean Payton. I love the owners … but I don’t think about the extension part,” Dobbins told Mason.
Why the Message Matters to Denver’s Timeline
GettyJ.K. Dobbins has been one of the most productive running backs in the league in 2025. How Denver values him going forward remains to be seen.
For the Broncos, the running back’s stance checks two important boxes at once. First, it cools down the short-term noise. When a player is asked about a new deal and answers with “I’m focused on ball,” it signals to the locker room that the priority is wins, not press conferences. Second, it frames the long-term conversation in the most team-friendly way possible: Dobbins is saying he wants to be here without putting the front office on the clock.
The 26-year-old Dobbins is also one of the leading rushers in the NFL right now. Through eight games, he has the third most rushing yards with 634 and an average of 5.3 yards per carry. He’s also added four touchdowns into that equation. He and
Fit With Sean Payton & the Backfield Plan
GettyJ.K. Dobbins has been a meaningful part of Denver’s early season rise to the top of the AFC.
Payton’s offenses — from New Orleans to Denver — prioritize backs who are decisive between the tackles, dependable in blitz pickup and useful on angle routes and screens. Dobbins checks those boxes, which is why his words carry extra weight. He isn’t merely saying nice things; he’s describing a place where his skill set makes sense.
That fit shows up on situational downs. On early downs, Dobbins’ patience and one-cut style marry well with the Broncos’ run concepts. On third down, trust matters more than anything, and his comments hint at a strong player-coach relationship with Payton — a prerequisite for staying on the field in pass-heavy moments. Inside the red zone, where every yard is a fight, a veteran who embraces the scheme is an edge you feel on Sundays.
Depth is a reality at running back, and Denver will keep rotating to stay fresh. Rookie running back CJ Harvey finally showcased his breakout ability against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, ripping off a 40-yard run and two touchdowns.
When Extension Talk Actually Makes Sense
GettyJ.K. Dobbins has shown he’s the No. 1 running back in Denver so far this season, but will that continue?
Dobbins said he isn’t thinking about an extension, and that’s the smart play for both sides. League-wide, most meaningful talks for veterans on short-term deals happen after a season or late in the year once durability, usage and team needs are settled. That timing reduces risk and sharpens comps.
From the team side, there are obvious levers: structure over splash. Clubs often prefer short guarantees, incentives tied to games played and production, and flexibility year to year. From the player side, momentum matters. If Dobbins keeps stacking strong outings in Payton’s system, he strengthens his case without ever having to posture in public. If the year turns bumpy, his message today — team-first, Denver-first — still plays with the fan base and the room.
It makes a reasonable amount of sense for Denver to take a wait-and-see-approach, too. Dobbins has been a productive running back when healthy in previous seasons for Baltimore and Los Angeles. He has, however, suffered major injuries that could lead any team to be hesitant with locking him up long term.
Dobbins, according to DraftSharks, has worked through a broken fibula in 2016 prior to entering the NFL, and then had a gruesome injury in 2021, tearing his hamstring, ACL and LCL, and damaging his meniscus. In 2023, he suffered a torn Achilles. Despite the major injuries, he holds a career average of 5.3 yards per carry, which is still an elite number in the NFL.
What It Means for Fans — & What’s Next
Fans heard two things in Dobbins’ remarks: commitment and confidence. Commitment, in that he openly tied his future to Denver; confidence, in that he doesn’t need contract headlines to validate his role. That combination is rare — and welcome — for a team trying to stack wins and build an identity around toughness and detail.
What’s next is simple: keep the main thing the main thing. If Dobbins keeps delivering the things Payton values — efficient early-down runs, secure pass protection, ball security and late-game finishing — the business conversation will find him when it’s supposed to. Until then, his message stands on its own.
