When the Green Bay Packers spent a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Savion Williams, they weren’t just taking a shot on another wide receiver—they were betting on a unique blend of size, speed, and versatility. At TCU, Williams wasn’t your typical wideout. He lined up all over the field, even taking snaps as a Wildcat quarterback. That type of creativity is exactly what Matt LaFleur’s offense thrives on. But so far, Williams’ rookie season has been more about the trainer’s room than the playbook.
The Injury Rollercoaster
Williams’ first few months in Green Bay have felt like a medical saga. It started back in the spring when he was limited in offseason workouts, sporting a red no-contact jersey while recovering from shoulder surgery. Then came a concussion early in training camp, which knocked him off the field for valuable reps. And just when it looked like he was ready to ramp things up, the injury bug bit again.
This time it’s a hamstring, and it’s keeping him sidelined during critical preseason action. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Williams sat out both Thursday’s joint practice and Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a rookie trying to carve out a role.
Missing Valuable Time
Training camp reps are everything for young players, and Williams has missed a bunch. He dropped out of Tuesday’s practice with the hamstring issue, and since then, he’s missed multiple sessions along with both preseason games. Whether he’ll return for the final week of joint practices and the last preseason contest remains uncertain.
LaFleur himself didn’t sound overly optimistic but did try to keep the door open. “It’s definitely going to make it tougher,” offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich admitted. “Hopefully we can get him back sometime soon. I’m very encouraged with what I saw that he will be able to help us, for sure. It’s a matter of getting his health right, we should be good.”
A Rookie Class Taking Hits
Williams isn’t the only member of Green Bay’s rookie class dealing with injury setbacks. It almost feels like a domino effect. Fourth-round pick Barryn Sorrell is sidelined with a knee issue. Fifth-rounder Collin Oliver hasn’t seen the field yet in camp due to—you guessed it—another hamstring injury. And seventh-round pick John Williams had offseason back surgery that’s kept him out entirely.
So, when you look at the Packers’ rookie crop, there’s a lot of potential just waiting on the sidelines. MarShawn Lloyd, the rookie running back with explosive upside, is also battling through a hamstring problem. The team has youth and talent, but right now, that talent is in sweatpants instead of pads.
What the Packers Are Missing
If Williams were healthy, he could bring a lot to this offense. At TCU, he wasn’t just a downfield threat. His 6-foot-5 frame made him a mismatch nightmare in the red zone, and his athleticism allowed coaches to move him around. Imagine him lined up wide on one play, in the slot the next, and even taking a direct snap on a gadget look. LaFleur and Stenavich love that kind of versatility.
But here’s the catch: availability is the biggest ability. And right now, Williams isn’t giving Green Bay much of it. Missing camp time means fewer reps with Jordan Love, less chemistry with the offense, and fewer chances to prove he deserves snaps in a crowded receiver room.
Receiver Room Dynamics
Speaking of that receiver room—it’s not exactly thin. Christian Watson is expected to be the top dog if he stays healthy, while Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs are penciled in for major roles. Dontayvion Wicks is another name LaFleur has highlighted, though he’s been dinged up too. For Williams, that means the window to impress is tight, and every practice missed pushes him further down the depth chart.
Coaches can rave about your potential all they want, but in the NFL, you’ve got to show it on the field. Right now, Williams hasn’t been able to.
The Silver Lining
Still, there’s a reason Packers fans should stay patient with Williams. Soft-tissue injuries like hamstrings are tricky, but they’re also temporary. Once he’s healthy, his upside is real. Few rookies bring that mix of size and playmaking ability. And the Packers didn’t invest a Day 2 pick in him without believing he could become a factor.
Plus, Green Bay has a recent track record of developing young receivers. Look at how Watson and Doubs have progressed in just two years. Williams might be behind schedule, but with time, he could become another success story.
Things to Watch Moving Forward
For now, the Packers have to play the waiting game. Here are a few key things worth keeping an eye on:
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When does Williams return? The timeline is murky, but if he can get healthy before Week 1, there’s still hope for early contributions.
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How does the depth chart shake out? With Reed, Doubs, Watson, and Wicks in the mix, Williams might need to make his case on special teams or in gadget packages.
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Can the rookie class rebound? Between Williams, Lloyd, Oliver, and others, this draft class is dripping with potential but has yet to hit the field consistently.
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Trust in the coaches’ patience. LaFleur and Stenavich aren’t throwing in the towel. They see the raw ability—now it’s about getting that ability onto the field.
What This Means for the Season
At the end of the day, the Packers’ offense doesn’t hinge on Williams. Jordan Love still has plenty of weapons, and LaFleur’s system is designed to maximize whoever’s available. But if Williams can get back on track, he adds another layer to the playbook. A healthy Williams could be that “X-factor” player who gives defenses something extra to think about.
For now, though, it’s about healing. Fans may have to wait until midseason to see the rookie shine. And when he does, it’ll be up to him to make up for lost time.
✅ Takeaway:
Savion Williams is a talented rookie with the kind of athletic gifts that can turn heads in Green Bay. But injuries have slowed his start, and patience is going to be key. If he can get healthy, the Packers might have found another weapon. If not, his rookie year could turn into more of a developmental season than anyone hoped.
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