Mike Williams back at practice

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Williams was unable to play in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles, as he was listed inactive with a hamstring injury. Williams has been suffering from the injury for the better part of the season, but Greg Schiano said on Monday that he expects Williams to be back this week against the rival Atlanta Falcons. That’s certainly a favorable matchup for him, as the Falcons pass defense definitely isn’t getting it done right now.

The Tampa Bay Times’s Rick Stroud is tweeting that Mike Williams has returned to practice today to start the week, and it’s definitely excellent news for the Buccaneers. He is fully expected to make his return to the Bucs starting lineup this week, but it’s still worth monitoring Williams’s practice status this week. I mean, Williams did put in limited practices on both Wednesday and Thursday last week before not practicing on Friday and being ruled inactive; there are no guarantees on the injury front.

That said, I would be surprised if Williams was held out of a very winnable, division rivalry game, especially with Schiano coaching for his job. Williams has had a week to heal on his hamstring, and he should be in line for a big day. So far this season, Williams is averaging 41 yards per contest, which is a number that figures to increase significantly.

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