NFL Rumors: Giants Defensive Tackle Could Return in Week 6

The New York Giants are a shocking 4-1 after toppling the Green Bay Packers in Week 5, and things are only looking up. Defensive tackle Leonard Williams returned to practice this week, and according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, he appears ready to play on Sunday:

Leonard Williams (knee) looking like a guy who is going to play Sunday vs. the Ravens. Has a brace on his right knee after missing the past 3 games. #giants #ravens pic.twitter.com/5oOwc4CCD1
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 13, 2022

Williams missed games against the Packers, Chicago Bears, and Dallas Cowboys with a knee injury suffered in Week 2. The Giants have survived in his absence, going 2-1, but they'll definitely benefit from his return. The defensive tackle is the team's highest-paid player, and he leads the team in sacks since 2020 with 18. He also sports a 79.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus on his 87 snaps this year.

Leonard Williams had 4 QB hurries in just 22 pass-rush snaps against the Panthers before the injury -- he was starting to ramp up.

Get this man back with Dexter Lawrence and we might have ourselves one of the best interior defensive lines in football #NYG
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) October 12, 2022

Initially taken sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 2015 NFL Draft, Williams joined the Giants via trade during the 2019 season. He had arguably his best year while on the franchise tag in 2020, notching a career-high 11.5 sacks. That performance earned him a three-year, $63 million deal during the 2021 offseason.

Williams' length and powerful inside presence will likely prove essential for the Giants' Week 6 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. The Giants rank 27th in the league in yards allowed per rush this season, and the Ravens average 5.4 yards per carry. If the Giants hope to slow down their opponent, Williams will have to dominate.