After serving two suspensions totaling nine games for off-field incidents, Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams is not being guaranteed anything.
Williams missed the first six games of the season for violating the league’s policy prohibiting performance-enhancing substances. Another three games were tacked on after an August conviction for driving while impaired.
In his absence, Wesley Woodyard and Keith Brooking have stepped up and played well for the Broncos. Woodyard leads the team in tackles with 80 and has also compiled three sacks and a forced fumble. Brooking has recorded 35 tackles and a forced fumble from his middle linebacker position.
Despite Williams’ past success, he’s going to have to earn his way back into the lineup. According to Eddie Pells of the Associated Press, Williams is willing to do whatever the coaches ask of him to get back into the lineup.
''I hope, sooner or later, I can get back to the role that I had before I left,’' Williams said. ''But I realize it’s going to be difficult just to jump back into that. But I’m ready to go whenever they throw me out there.’'
Williams has compiled 810 tackles, 20.5 sacks and two interceptions during his eight-year career with the Broncos.