At a Glance
- Cameron Williams activated to the Eagles’ 53-man roster after a 21-day practice window.
- He will make his NFL debut against the Washington Commanders in Week 18.
- The rookie will face future Hall-of-Famer Von Miller, who has 137.5 sacks (tied for 10th all-time).
Why it matters: Williams’ return gives Philadelphia a needed offensive-line boost for a game that could decide playoff positioning.
After spending the majority of his rookie year on injured reserve, sixth-round pick Cameron Williams will finally step onto an NFL field this Sunday. The Eagles added him to the active roster on Thursday, ending a 21-day practice window that kept him sidelined since a shoulder injury on September 13. He will face the Washington Commanders and the 36-year-old pass rusher Von Miller in his first game.
Cameron Williams’ Activation
Williams earned a spot on the Eagles’ initial 53-man roster out of training camp but was inactive in Week 1 before the shoulder injury landed him on IR on September 13. He spent 16 weeks focusing on weight maintenance, strength, speed, and play-book study while on IR.
The final day of his 21-day practice window on Thursday saw the Eagles activate him, giving him a chance to play in Week 18 against the Commanders.
- Training camp: made initial 53-man roster.
- Week 1: inactive.
- September 13: placed on IR.
- Thursday (Week 18): activated.
Cameron Williams said:
> “Oh for sure. I was bored,” Williams said this week. “I told the coaches I was bored on IR.”
Cameron Williams added:
> “It’s amazing,” Williams said. “I’m just grateful to have the opportunity to play honestly.”
Facing Von Miller
Williams will face the 36-year-old future Hall-of-Famer Von Miller, who has 137.5 sacks, tied for 10th all-time. Both players grew up in Dallas County, Texas, and attended rival high schools-Miller at DeSoto and Williams at Duncanville.
Cameron Williams said:
> “It’s going to be a blessing to block him. I can’t wait.”
Jahan Dotson’s Role
Second-year receiver Jahan Dotson has been among the least productive in the NFL, with only 15 catches for 222 yards and a touchdown over 539 snaps. Head coach Nick Sirianni praised Dotson’s work ethic and willingness to make plays when the ball arrives.
- 539 snaps
- 15 receptions
- 222 yards
- 1 touchdown
Nick Sirianni said:
> “I think that is always a challenge,” head coach Nick Sirianni said this week. “But I can’t tell you how many times I’ll put on the tape or show the tape in here from a game or a practice, and show him busting his butt trying to get a block or running off somebody and taking advantage of the opportunities when the ball does come to him. I think he handles it great.”
Nick Sirianni added:
> “Understand that they’re receivers [and] want to catch the football, but he does the little things for his teammates to help the team, and you always admire that.”
Coach Praise
Jalen Hurts echoed the sentiment, saying, “His work ethic,” Hurts said. “His determination, his passion for the game and how effective he is in the way he does what he does.”
Jalen Hurts continued:
> “I think he’s evolved from having a different position and having a different role in how that’s evolved,” Hurts said. “I think that’s evolved in itself. So to go from, ‘I’m calling plays, I’m in this position where I’m doing this,’ to that evolving over time and kind of coming back into a position where he’s heavily involved in what we do. I think to be able to find success and sustained success throughout all of that is very admirable, very impressive and I got a great deal of respect for him and how diligent he is, how hard he works, how hard he cares. I think what he’s been able to accomplish speaks for itself as a head coach.”
Special Teams and Kickoff Rule
The NFL’s recent kickoff rule change has increased returns, with the Eagles recording 57 in 16 games compared to 33 in 17 the previous season. Special teams coordinator Michael Clay said, “It’s a lot more plays obviously for the special team production.”
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 (so far) |
|---|---|---|
| Returns | 33 | 57 |
| Avg yards | 23.8 | 23.8 |
| Best returner | Will Shipley 26.7 | Will Shipley 26.7 |
Michael Clay added:
> “We’ve got guys close up there towards the 20-tackle mark, Kylen Granson and Jeremiah Trotter. I think it keeps the ball in play a little bit more. It changes field position. We’d like to be improved still. We have games to improve from kickoff return, but I think our kickoff coverage has really helped out the defense.”
Jeremiah Trotter said:
> “We got special teams after you guys do the interviews so I just eat lunch in there so I’m already in there,” Trotter said this week. “I try to be early for pretty much everything.”
Key Takeaways
- Williams will debut against the Commanders, facing Von Miller.
- Dotson remains a reliable teammate despite limited targets.
- Eagles’ special-teams improvements have boosted field position.
With Williams back on the field and the Eagles resting starters, the team has a fresh offensive-line option for a crucial Week 18 matchup, while special teams continue to carve out gains that could swing playoff hopes.
By James O Connor Fields for News Of Philadelphia
