Williams (knee) could be facing an uphill battle to secure a roster spot with the Cowboys, Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News reports. Of course things could change if injuries hit other members of the team's backfield as the summer progresses, but in the wake of DeMarco Murray's free agent departure, Joseph Randle appears to have an edge at securing the job as the team's lead back, with Darren McFadden also in the mix on that front and Lance Dunbar a candidate to see work on passing downs.

Williams (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News reports. Williams is dealing with some swelling in his knee, so he'll be held out of practice in hopes of avoiding further aggravation. The former Virginia Tech star could carve out a role in the Dallas backfield this season, as Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle, two fairly underwhelming backs, stand as his primary competition for carries.

Williams could have a significant role in the Cowboys' backfield this season after the club failed to select a running back in this year's draft. Oft-injured Darren McFadden sits on top of the depth chart, with the plodding Joseph Randle and his off-field issues as his main backup, so a good showing in camp from Williams could easily put him in line for meaningful touches. The Cowboys' elite offensive line is certainly capable of making any back a fantasy asset, but after spending all of last season on Dallas' practice squad this is likely Williams' last chance to make his mark in the NFL.

Demarco Murray's departure for Philadelphia as a free agent bumps Williams up a spot on the Cowboys' depth chart at running back. He's currently behind Joseph Randle and newly signed injury-prone veteran Darren McFadden on the depth chart, but expect the Cowboys to address the position in the draft, and Randle himself may not be back depending on the outcome of an investigation into domestic violence allegations. After spending all of last season on the Dallas practice squad, however, Williams' prospects for having fantasy value in 2015 are a lot brighter. Depending on how things shake out this offseason, he could end up being an interesting sleeper.

Williams agreed to a two-year contract with Dallas on Tuesday, Fort Worth Star-Telegram writer Clarence Hill reports. Williams will get another chance to show he's over his early career injury issues, but the fact that he stayed on the practice squad for all of 2014 indicates he's not a great bet to make his way onto the final 2015 Dallas roster.

Williams has been added to the Cowboys' practice squad, ESPN's Todd Archer reports. Williams passed through waivers to get there, but now that he has landed on the Cowboys' practice squad, the 2011 second-rounder is an injury away from possibly rejoining the team's depth RB mix.

Williams has been waived by the Cowboys, the Dallas Morning News reports. Joseph Randle ended up making the roster because he gives the Cowboys more flexibility on special teams, but ESPN's Todd Archer notes that Williams has practice squad eligibility. Of course, the running back will need to pass through waivers in order for the Cowboys to consider that scenario.

Williams took advantage of Joseph Randle's absence from Saturday's preseason game, leading the Cowboys with 12 carries for 47 yards and adding two catches for 22 yards. Williams and Randle are competing for the number three spot on the running back depth chart, a role that could have some fantasy value this season given starter DeMarco Murray's injury history. Williams has his own checkered medical report, but he's healthy at the moment and Randle injured his ribs on the kickoff coverage team early in Saturday's contest. The door could be open for Williams to seize the job.

Williams looked good on Saturday, rushing for 36 yards and a touchdown on five carries while catching two passes for 13 yards. His competition for the third RB spot on the depth chart, Joseph Randle, also had an impressive game, so neither one was able to separate themselves. If the Cowboys aren't able to roster both, this battle could come down to who's more useful on special teams.

Williams gained 29 yards on eight carries and 31 yards on five receptions in Thursday's preseason opener against the Chargers. Not a bad start in Dallas for Williams, who is hoping to push Joseph Randle for the No. 3 running back role. The Cowboys have an excellent offensive line and a pair of running backs with durability issues, so there is some deep league appeal here with the former second-round draft pick.