Sean McVay provides camp updates on former Notre Dame players Kyren Williams, Ben Skowronek
Notre Dame had just two players taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. After safety Kyle Hamilton was selected No. 14 overall by the Baltimore Ravens, the Irish faithful waited until the fifth round to watch the next Notre Dame star hear his name called.
Running back Kyren Williams wasn’t taken until the third day, but he could play for the Los Angeles Rams from Day 1. As training camp came to a close and the Rams prepare for a preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, head coach Sean McVay took a moment to discuss rookies who could make an immediate impact. Williams was mentioned among them.
“I’m excited that Kyren Williams was able to get back out on the field,” McVay said, per a Rams YouTube interview. “I think sooner than later we are going to be able to see him make some major contributions.”
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The news is great not just because Williams has a bright future at the next level. It’s also welcomed because the former Irish standout suffered a broken foot in June. The rehab went well, and Williams is now full-go in Southern California.
As it currently stands, Williams is the No. 3 running back on the depth chart behind Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. But if McVay’s commentary is any indication of what’s to come, expect to see Williams a lot this fall.
A window for Skowronek
Williams’ only other former teammate on the Rams’ roster is wide receiver Ben Skowronek. The Northwestern transfer and Fort Wayne, Ind., native was a rookie in 2021. Obviously, he was able to win a Super Bowl with the team in February and had a total of 11 catches for 133 yards in his rookie year.
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Skowronek is currently a backup wideout for Los Angeles, but teammate Van Jefferson’s knee surgery has opened up the opportunity for the second-year receiver and his other teammates to step into a more prevalent role.
“I’m sick for Van Jefferson,” McVay said. “I think he was coming off arguably his best practice as a Ram, looking great, and has a little bit of a setback. Fortunately, we’re going to get him back.
“But what it’s done is create opportunities for Tutu Atwell to show he’s capable, Ben Skowronek, Brandon Powell. Those are the positives even though you don’t ever want to have to lose a guy.”
There is still a chance that Jefferson returns for the Rams’ Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills, but for now, it’s Skowronek’s time to shine.
