FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Arthur Smith has ruled Avery Williams out for the year with an ACL injury.
The Falcons punt returner suffered the injury during the Falcons open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium last week on a play that resulted in a Drake London touchdown. Williams' injury was non-contact, he was helped off the field and immediately went to the locker room.
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Smith said Williams is scheduled to have a procedure done on Thursday.
Williams was one of the most consistent punt returners in the NFL in 2022, leading the league in return yards, averaging 16.2 yards per punt return. This average was three yards more than the next punt returner's average at 13.2. Williams had three returns of 20-plus yards.
After starting his professional career as a defensive back, the Falcons moves Williams to running back last year where he saw action sparingly at the spot in a couple games when depth was needed. He had begun to work more with the receivers through 2023's voluntary OTA period prior to his injury last Friday.
Without Williams, the Falcons will be looking for a new punt return man. Asked who could be a part of that competition, Smith said it'll be an opportunity for someone like Mike Hughes, Dee Alford, Penny Hart or Josh Ali, to name a few.
It's unfortunate, Smith said, but "somebody will step up."
As for Williams: "Because of the player that Avery is I wholeheartedly believe that he'll come back better and improved," Smith said. "It is unfortunate."
Take a look at the Atlanta Falcons in action during the 2023 First Look practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63 interacts with fans during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah #1 interacts with fans during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver J. J. Arcega-Whiteside #83 and Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Kaleb McGary #76 interacts with fans during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 is interviewed during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 looks on during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Fans during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
The Dirty Birds Marching Band perform during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss #55 and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jeff Okudah #1 walk onto the field during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Mack Hollins #18 catches the ball during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith gives a press conference during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith #81 before the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tackle Kaleb McGary #76, Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom #63, and Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Ryan Neuzil #64 during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Slade Bolden #89 before the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 warms up during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett #97 interacts with fans during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Scotty Miller #16 and Atlanta Falcons senior assistant Steve Hoffman during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Young fans look on during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 interacts with fans during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Micah Abernathy #29 before the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier #25 interacts with fans during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons players huddle on the field during the First Look open practice at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, June 2, 2023. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
