Fantasy football: Rams to use running back Kyren Williams as primary punt returner

Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Rams plan to use starting running back Kyren Williams their primary punt returner in 2024, potentially impacting his fantasy football value.

Coach Sean McVay announced the decision Tuesday at news conference.

Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers are the other running backs on the Rams roster. The Rams picked Corum in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Rivers is entering his third season.

McVay brought up Williams when asked about the decision to release wide receiver Xavier Smith, who returned punts during the preseason.

"Kyren Williams is going to be our punt returner," McVay said. "It's another opportunity for him to get touches and impact the game. And you feel comfortable with that because of the confidence in Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers being able to spell him if need be.

"That was what made it tough for X. He didn't do anything not to win the punt return job. It's just Kyren is a guy we want to continue to have different ways he can impact the game and that's one that's gonna be reflected."

While Williams could potentially gain more fantasy points from scoring touchdowns off returns, those are rare.

His use as a punt returner could help the Rams in field position battles, but is an added risk for his fantasy stock owners. It also increases the value of both Corum and Rivers, who could immediately have RB2 value if Williams were to miss any time.

Williams currently has a second-round average draft position and is the No. 11 player in my Top 75 running back rankings. You should consider an increased risk of injury when deciding on if you should draft the Rams running back.

Williams, who returned just three punts in 2023, totaled the sixth-most points among running backs last season. The Rams will face the Detroit Lions in their season opener at 8:20 p.m. EDT Sept. 8 in Detroit.

The Lions allowed the fewest rushing yards and fantasy points to running backs in 2023.