Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams played a big part in his team’s opening score on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Williams took a handoff from Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott and went into the end zone for an early 7-0 lead for the Cowboys, but he soon left the game. The Vikings answered Dallas’ touchdown with a TD pass from quarterback J.J. McCarthy, making it 7-7 into the second quarter.
What’s The Latest On Cowboys RB Javonte Williams?
After Williams left the field, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported on the running back’s status.
“Cowboys RB Javonte Williams getting looked at by the training staff,” Harris wrote on X.
“Injury tent is up. Looks arm/shoulder related.”
Cowboys RB Javonte Williams getting looked at by the training staff. Injury tent is up. Looks arm/shoulder related.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) December 15, 2025
Further reporting, though, from 105.3 The Fan’s Bobby Belt indicated, “Javonte Williams questionable to return with a shoulder injury”. Harris also added that “Williams is on the bench to start this next drive. Malik Davis is in.”
Williams has been a true bellcow for the Cowboys all season. This is not a backfield that contains much depth.
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If Williams has to miss any time, we’re looking at Malik Davis as the lead back with Hunter Luepke behind him. Jaydon Blue, who has been a healthy inactive for most of the season, would likely be activated next week. But if the Cowboys had any confidence in him, he’d have earned his way onto the gameday roster by now.
While Williams was in the game, he had six carries for 13 yards and that one touchdown. Williams was a second-round draft choice by the Denver Broncos in the 2021 NFL Draft out of North Carolina.
According to the PFSN NFL RB Impact metrics, Williams has an impact score of 81.8 and grades out to a B-. He played his first four seasons for the Broncos before joining the Cowboys this season. For his NFL career, Williams has 821 carries for 3,416 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
Also, for his career, Williams is averaging 4.6 yards per carry, which is solid. Williams, by that metric, gets the offense in position to move the ball downfield effectively. He also has a knack for being somewhat of a trustworthy receiver, too. Williams has caught 191 passes in his career for 1,094 yards and seven touchdowns.
Prescott doesn’t mind having Williams edge out of the backfield when necessary, too.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.