On Thursday, Bills coach Rex Ryan confirmed that there were long-term concerns about safety Aaron Williams’ neck after he was injured for the second time in as many seasons during last Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.
Ryan didn’t specify how long Williams will be out, but it didn’t sound like there was great hope that Williams will be back in the lineup anytime soon. There’s also a chance that Williams won’t be returning at all, although that won’t be known for a while.
Williams’ father told the Associated Press that his son will make a decision about continuing his playing career in the offseason. Anthony Williams said that they haven’t talked about retirement yet, but his son was open this offseason about the possibility that he’d have to walk away from the game after having neck surgery and this year’s plan to “make the best decision that’s right for him” will obviously include an end to his playing days.
The 2011 second-round pick has spent his entire career with the Bills, seeing action in 59 games and establishing himself as a starter before the neck injuries that now cloud his future.