By R.L. Bynum
Week 14 of the NFL season began with one former Carolina running back surpassing 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, and ended with another scoring on a touchdown reception on his first drive after returning from injured reserve.
Dallas running back Javonte Williams, three years after suffering a devastating knee injury, ran for 67 yards in the Cowboys’ 44–30 loss at Detroit to reach 1,022 for the season. A fractured left ankle suffered on Oct. 5 sidelined Los Angeles Chargers rookie Omarion Hampton until Monday night, when he caught a four-yard touchdown pass in their 22–19 overtime home win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Williams, in his first Dallas season after four in Denver, is having the best season of his NFL career and is delighted to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a season.
“Yeah, it’s a good milestone,” said Williams, who scored on a one-yard touchdown run. “After all the hard work I put in, to finally reach it, it’s a blessing. But I know I still have work to do.”
The Cowboys made Williams their first free-agent signing last spring, and the move is paying off, turning their rushing game from one of the league’s worst to a strength.
Williams’ nine rushing touchdowns already are more than all Cowboys running backs combined for last season.
“Love him, love him,” quarterback Dak Prescott said. “Proud of him as a teammate, proud of his resilience. Coming off that injury, joining a new team, and then stepping up the way he has — it’s incredible. We’re lucky as hell to have him.”
You’ll be able to watch Williams on national TV next weekend when the Cowboys host the Minnesota Vikings at 8:20 p.m. Sunday (NBC).
Hampton, coming off the bench for the first time in his career, finished the game with 13 carries for 56 yards, including an eight-yard run, and caught both passes targeted to him for 11 yards, including a seven-yard reception and his touchdown on the Chargers’ opening drive. He did have issues with pass protection, though.
Hampton got hurt during a Week 5 loss to Washington, and the Chargers opened his 21-day practice window on Nov. 25.
Before the setback, Hampton was emerging as a centerpiece of the Chargers’ offense. Drafted 22nd overall, he stepped into a larger role after Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 3.
Hampton responded with 314 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 66 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt, and added 20 receptions for 136 yards over his first five games. His breakout included a 128-yard rushing performance in Week 4 against the Giants.
Hampton ranked among the league leaders in yards from scrimmage during Weeks 3 through 5 and provided a reliable option in both the ground game and passing attack.
Sunday was another big day for Tennessee linebacker Cedric Gray in the Titans’ 31–29 victory over Cleveland.
Gray had seven tackles, three assists and pressured the quarterback once. He also recovered a fumble and returned it eight yards to the Browns 5 to set up a touchdown that gave the Titans a 28–17 lead.
Asim Richards started at right tackle for New Orleans in the Saints’ 24–20 win over Tampa Bay. He played 40 of 44 offensive snaps before suffering a high ankle sprain on a New Orleans touchdown. play in the fourth quarter.
Saints coach Kellen Moore said Monday that Richards, who suffered a similar injury when playing for Dallas in 2024, could “potentially miss some time.”
In other Week 14 action:
— Atlanta cornerback Mike Hughes had six tackles, one assist, one tackle for a loss, defended a pass and snagged an interception that he returned for six yards in Atlanta’s 37–3 loss to Seattle.
— Arizona running back Michael Carter had three carries for 13 yards and two catches on four targets for 18 yards, playing 33 snaps.
— Indianapolis wide receiver Josh Downs had four catches on five targets for 23 yards in 46 snaps.
— Pittsburgh linebacker Cole Holcomb came off the bench to make three tackles, get five assists and a tackle in punt coverage, playing 16 of his 47 snaps on special teams.
— Jacksonville wide receiver Dyami Brown played six offensive snaps with no targets.
— Houston’s British Brooks played all 19 of his snaps on special teams, recording a tackle on kickoff coverage.
— Tampa Bay offensive lineman Charlie Heck played four special-teams snaps.
— Buffalo quarterback Mitch Trubisky didn’t play, and both Philadelphia quarterback Sam Howell and Baltimore wide receiver Tez Walker weren’t active.
Drake Maye, Mack Hollins and the New England Patriots had the weekend off, returning to action next Sunday at 1 p.m. at home against the Buffalo Bills (CBS).
British Brooks, Houston Texans running back
Age 25 | 5–11, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–23
Roster situation — Fifth-string running back
Season statistics —13 games, 17 carries, 787 yards (20 longest); 5 special-teams tackles, 5 special-teams assists
Wild-card round: Texans 30, Steelers 6 — 1 assist on kickoff coverage; 18 special-teams snaps (72%)
Divisional round — 3 p.m. Sunday at New England, ESPN, ABC
Dyami Brown, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–0, 195 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Reserve wide receiver
Season statistics — 17 games, 7 starts, 23 catches, 220 yards (39 longest), 9.9 average, 1 TD, 1 fumble (lost); 5 carries, 26 yards (9 longest); 4 kickoff returns, 106 yards (31 longest)
Wild-card round: Bills 27, Jaguars 24 — Not active for the game
The Jaguars’ season ended with the loss.
Michael Carter, Arizona Cardinals running back
Age 26 | 5–8, 201 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Starting running back
Season statistics — 14 games, 5 starts, 92 carries, 331 yards (22 longest), 1 touchdown; 33 catches on 39 targets, 267 yards (18 longest); 1 kickoff return, 27 yards; 1 tackle
Week 18: Rams 37, Cardinals 20 — Started; 7 carries, 18 yards (2.6 average, 5 longest); 3 catches on 3 targets, 21 yards (7.0 average, 11 longest); 29 offensive snaps (53%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Arizona finished fourth in the NFC West at 3–13.
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings running back
Age 27 | 5–11, 204 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2021
Roster situation — Second-string kickoff returner; third-string running back
Season statistics — 3 games, 17 carries, 47 yards (5 longest); 3 catches on 4 targets, 11 yards (3.7 average; 11 longest); 1 assist on punt coverage
Week 18: Vikings 16, Packers 3 — 10 carries, 23 yards (2.3 average; 5 longest); 3 catches on 4 targets, 11 yards (3.7 average; 11 longest); 29 offensive snaps (43%), 6 special-teams snaps (26%)
Minnesota finished third in the NFC North at 9–8.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 23 | 5–9, 171 | third NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
Season statistics — 16 games, 11 starts, 58 catches, 566 yards (34 longest), 4 touchdowns; 2 rush, -2 yards; 7 punt returns, 68 yards; 2 tackles
Week 18: Texans 38, Colts 30 — Started; 1 carry, -5 yards; 4 catches on 4 targets, 61 yards (15.3 average, 30 longest); 1 punt return, 13 yards; 41 offensive snaps (63%), 3 special-teams snaps (8%)
Indianapolis finished third in the AFC South at 8–9.
Cedric Gray, Tennessee Titans linebacker
Age 22 | 6–2, 234 | second NFL season | UNC 2020–23
Roster situation — Starting left inside linebacker
Season statistics — 16 games, 15 starts, 94 tackles, 65 assists, 7 tackles for losses, 1 sack for 7 yards, 3 passes defended, 2 quarterback pressures, 1 quarterback hit, 2 special-teams tackles, 2 fumble recoveries
Week 18: Jaguars 41, Titans 7 — Started; 3 tackles, 5 assists; 59 defensive snaps (97%)
Tennessee finished fourth in the AFC South at 3–14.
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers running back
Age 22 | 6–0, 220 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2022–24
Roster situation — Starter
Season statistics — 9 games, 6 starts, 124 carries, 545 yards (54 longest), 4.4 average, 4 touchdowns; 32 catches, 192 yards (22 longest), 1 touchdown; 1 fumble recovery
Wild-card round: Patriots 16, Chargers 3— 1 carry, -1 yards, 2 offensive snaps (3%)
The Chargers’ season ended with the loss.
Charlie Heck, Tampa Bay Bucs offensive lineman
Age 28 | 6–8, 311 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2015–19
Roster situation — Backup right tackle behind Luke Goedeke
Season statistics — 18 games, 1 tackle; 701 offensive snaps, 642 special-teams snaps
Week 18: Bucs 16, Panthers 14 — 2 offensive snaps (3%), 5 special-teams snaps (23%)
Tampa Bay finished tied for first in the NFC South at 8–9 but didn’t make the playoffs.
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 28 | 6–1, 240 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Second-string right inside linebacker
Season statistics — 12 games, 3 starts, 19 tackles, 11 assists, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 3 special-teams assists
Week 18: Steelers 26, Ravens 24 — Played off the bench
Wild-card weekend — 8 p.m. Monday vs. Houston, ABC, ESPN
Sam Howell, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Third-string quarterback
2024 season statistics (Seattle Seahawks); didn’t play in regular season — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 interception, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
Wild-card round: 49ers 23, Eagles 19 — Not active for the game
Philadelphia’s season ended with the loss
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 28 | 5–10, 191 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Starting right cornerback
Season statistics — 11 games, 11 starts, 32 tackles, 9 assists, 4 passes defended, 2 tackles for losses; 1 interception
Week 18: Falcons 19, Saints 17 — Didn’t play (ankle injury)
Atlanta finished tie for first in the NFC South at 8–9 but didn’t make the playoffs.
Alijah Huzzie, Houston Texans cornerback
Age 24 | 5–10, 195 | rookie season | UNC 2023–24
Season statistics — 3 games, 3 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception (0 return yards), 1 assist on kickoff coverage
Wild-card round: Texans 30, Steelers 6 — Not active for the game
Divisional round — 3 p.m. Sunday at New England, ESPN, ABC
Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 22 | 6–4, 225 | second NFL season | UNC 2021–23
Roster situation —-Starting QB ahead of Joshua Dobbs
Season statistics — 17 games, 17 starts, 354 of 492, 4,494 (72 longest), 71.9%, 31 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 47 sacks (201 yards in losses), 113.5 rating; 103 carries, 450 yards (28 longest), 4 touchdowns; 1 two-point conversion run; 3 fumbles (2 lost, 1 recovered)
Wild-card round: Patriots 16, Chargers 3— Started; 17 of 29, 268 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 5 sacks (33 yards in losses), 86.6 passer rating; 10 carries, 66 yards (37 longest); 64 offensive snaps (100%)
Divisional round — 3 p.m. Sunday vs. Houston, ABC/ESPN
Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 24 | 6–4, 307 | third NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left tackle
Season statistics — 15 games, 4 starts, 359 offensive snaps, 53 special-teams snaps
Week 18: Falcons 19, Saints 17 — Rreported tackle-eligible twice; 56 offensive snaps (82%), 4 special-teams snaps (14%)
New Orleans finished fourth in the NFC South at 6–11.
Mitch Trubisky, Buffalo Bills quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Josh Allen
Season statistics — 4 games, 25 of 35, 313 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns, 1 2-point conversion completion; 9 carries, 6 yard (9 longest)
Wild-card round: Bills 27, Jaguars 24 — Didn’t play
Divisional round — 4:30 Saturday at Denver, CBS
Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 24 | 6–1, 198 | second NFL season | UNC 2023
Roster situation — Third-string wide receiver
Season statistics — 11 games, 2 starts, 6 catches, 136 yards (38 longest), 3 touchdowns; 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 QB hit, 2 special-teams assists
Week 18: Steelers 26, Ravens 24 — 2 catches on 2 targets, 46 yards (38 longest), 1 touchdown
Baltimore finished second in the AFC North at 8–9.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 25 | 5–10, 220 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back ahead of Miles Sanders
Season statistics — 16 games, 16 starts, 252 carries, 1,201 yards (4.8 average; 66 longest), 11 touchdowns; 35 catches, 137 yards (3.9 average; 14 longest), 2 touchdowns
Week 18: Giants 34, Cowboys 17 — Didn’t play
Dallas finished second in the NFC East at 7–9.
Finished season on IR
Miami Dolphins defensive back Storm Duck, knee injury (season statistics: 2 games, 1 start, 1 tackle, 1 assist, 1 pass defended)
Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart, quadriceps injury (season statistics: 9 games, 4 starts, 10 tackles, 8 assists, 2 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 2 special-teams assists)
On injured reserve
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler, knee injury
New York Giants offensive lineman Joshua Ezudu (IR with designation to return), undisclosed injury
New England wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen injury)
Philadelphia Eagles center Willie Lampkin, leg injury (Rams released him in camp)
Seattle linebacker Chazz Surratt (ankle injury)
On practice squads
Baltimore linebacker Kaimon Rucker
New England linebacker Amari Gainer
Minnesota tight end Bryson Nesbit
Waived from practice squads
Linebacker Power Echols by Chicago
Linebacker Tomon Fox by the New York Giants
Defensive tackle Jahvaree Ritzie by New England
Released during training camp
Linebacker Eugene Asanti by Miami
Tight end John Copenhaver by Jacksonville
Linebacker Desmond Evans by Tennessee
Wide receiver Nate McCollum by Arizona
Defensive back Kyler McMichael by Pittsburgh
Photo via @chargers
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