Former Illini Isaiah Williams claimed off waivers by Cincinnati Bengals

Former Illini football wide receiver, Isaiah Williams, has been claimed off of waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals. Williams was waived by the Detroit Lions just yesterday, however, performed too well during the preseason to not be signed. Isaiah Williams had 11 receptions for 123 yards in the 2024 preseason and also showed the ability to return kicks and punts. Though Isaiah does not have a breakaway 4.3 40-yard dash speed, he is extremely shifty and knows how to utilize angles to make defenders miss. During his time as an Illini, Isaiah had 214 total receptions for 2304 yards. Though it is not as important in the NFL, Lions head coach, Dan Campbell, consistently praised Williams and his will to work and study.

Former Illini players on the Cincinnati Bengals.

Isaiah now joins fellow former Illini, Chase Brown, on a team with some explosive perimeter weapons. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are certainly a deadly quarterback and wide receiver duo. It will be interesting to see if Williams can possibly get an opportunity on a team struggling to get to .500. With star receiver, Tee Higgins, out with an injury, hopefully Isaiah Williams will be able to see the field. Brown is the current starting running back and continues to put up career highs each week. Additionally, former Illini offensive lineman, Ted Karras, is the starting center.

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