SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Right tackle Daryl Williams said he's never experienced the type of pain he endured when he injured his right knee during Saturday morning's practice, but after returning to Charlotte for further testing, his spirits are high all things considered.
"Daryl Williams dislocated his right patella and tore the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in this morning's practice," head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion said in a statement. "We are beginning the early stages of rehabilitation, and there is currently no timetable for his return."
Midway through practice, Williams suffered the injury when he set up to pass block, falling to the turf and screaming in pain. After being attended to by trainers and consoled by teammates, Williams was carted off the field.
"I just remember my foot getting stuck in the ground and kind of buckling," Williams said in a phone conversation, adding that he had "not ever" experienced that level of pain in his life. "I feel way better than when I did it, and I'm definitely in good spirits.
"God has a plan, and it could have been worse."
After the practice, head coach Ron Rivera said that Taylor Moton, a second-round draft choice in 2017, would be the next man up if Williams were sidelined. Moton expressed confidence in his ability to fill in for Williams, named a second-team All-Pro last season. Moton also expressed his heartfelt concern for Williams, something many of his teammates did and something that will help fuel him as he begins his rehab.
"It means a lot," Williams said. "Everybody on the team came up to me, told me they're praying for me and wanting to make sure I'm OK. It means a lot, how they showed that they care for me.
"I definitely know what it takes. I'm going to hit it hard and do what I can, do my best."
