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Kansas City Chiefs running back Damien Williams has decided to opt out of the 2020 season, according to GM Brett Veach. Williams was integral in Kansas City’s run through the playoffs and in the Super Bowl, where he shined. First-round draft pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire will likely take over as starter with Williams gone for the 2020 season.
Williams dealt with injuries last season and split work with LeSean McCoy, but when he was needed most, the sixth-year back went on a tear. In his final four games of the season, including Week 17 through the Super Bowl, Williams rushed for 320 yards, scoring six touchdowns while catching 15 passes for 124 yards and two more touchdowns.
There has been much debate in fantasy circles on whether Williams would be able to hold off the rookie Edwards-Helaire, but the debate has now ended. With Williams gone, Edwards-Helaire is set to take on the bulk of the running back work out of the gate. Second-year back Darwin Thompson and ex-Raider DeAndre Washington should win the backup jobs and have more value now with Williams out of the picture.