Just over 10 months since he suffered the knee injury that ended his 2022 season, Denver Broncos’ running back Javonte Williams is set to take a significant step in his recovery this weekend and play in a game. Broncos coach Sean Payton confirmed after Tuesday’s training camp practice what Williams has been hoping to hear, that Williams will play at least some in the Broncos’ preseason game Saturday night against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif.

“He’s doing well, we’ll have a plan — I plan on playing him,” Payton said. “We’ll see pitch count-wise towards the end of the week. We’ll be smart, but I do see him playing.”

Williams, a second-round draft pick by the Broncos in 2021 and an All-Rookie team member that season, suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his right knee in the Broncos’ Oct. 2 loss to the Raiders. He said he was initially given a timetable of 12-to-18 months to return to the field.