FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots have utilized several kick returners since Antonio Gibson was lost for the season with a torn ACL after Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.
Rookie receiver Kyle Williams, who has a 72-yard touchdown catch on the books, is the latest to get a crack at it.
He averaged 28.7 yards per kick, with 86 yards on three returns against Cincinnati. He nearly broke one against the Bengals, setting Drake Maye & Co. up with good field position with a 36-yard return in the second half.
Special teams coach Jeremy Springer has been pleased with how quickly Williams – who didn’t return kicks in college – adapted to the role.
“I love the way he played,” Springer said Friday of Williams’ initial return efforts against the Bengals. “He’s a speed guy, and on top of that, in this new dynamic with kickoffs, you can’t really have any fear back there. You’ve gotta go. And I felt like he did that, especially on the last kickoff return where he almost had a touchdown.
“He really had a good mentality throughout the game. He was confident catching it.”
Williams said he’s been itching for the opportunity. But still had to get used to all that was involved. He really hadn’t returned kicks since high school.
“My first one was a little nerve-wracking, because I really haven’t been back there,” he said. “But once you get get used to it, it becomes backyard football at that point.”
Williams is just glad Springer trusts him to do the job and is able to contribute in some way.
“I told Coach Springer all I needed was one back there. And he finally gave me that chance,” said Williams, who will likely be the man again against the New York Giants Monday night. “Now, it’s my turn to take it and run with it … and for me, the slightest crease means hit it at 100 miles an hour.”
