Williams was released by the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Williams was a healthy scratch in each of the Chargers' first two games. His release effectively clears room for the addition of TE Asante Cleveland from the team's practice squad and leaves San Diego with only two healthy running backs behind starter Melvin Gordon.

Williams is inactive for the Chargers' season opener against the Chiefs on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Williams latched on with the Chargers shortly after he was cut by the Giants during training camp, but he'll open the season fourth on the team's depth chart at running back. The former Boston College star could offer the Chargers some utility in short-yardage situations, but his inability to contribute on special teams might render him inactive most weeks unless another San Diego back succumbs to an injury.

Williams was claimed off waivers by the Chargers on Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Now in San Diego, Williams will look to mirror what he did as rookie in 2014. His lackluster 2015 season ultimately cast a shadow over his strong rookie campaign, but Williams could have the opportunity to prove his ability backing up Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead.

The Giants waived Williams on Saturday, Michael Eisen of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

A fourth-round pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, Williams flashed as a rookie with two 100-yard efforts on the ground in place of an injured Andre Williams, but a mark of 3.3 YPC portended what was to come. While Williams couldn't even surpass 3.0 YPC (2.9 YPC, to be precise) last season, he could have made up for it with pass-catching chops. However, he's corralled only 19 of 40 career targets, and all of his previous concerns were confirmed this preseason with 3.6 YPC and no receptions. He may get another chance elsewhere, but the results to date haven't been inspiring.

Williams gained 15 yards on six carries and lost a fumble in Saturday's preseason game against the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

Williams is noticeably quicker after dropping 20 pounds in the offseason, and yet he may still find himself on the wrong side of final cuts. On the other hand, he also has a shot to serve as Rashad Jennings' top backup for early downs, with the potential to get some short-yardage and goal-line work even when Jennings is healthy. The Giants will ultimately have to decide between Williams' potential as a rusher and Orleans Darkwa's contribution on special teams. Williams did himself no favors Saturday, losing a fumble while producing just 2.5 yards per carry. Fifth-round rookie Paul Perkins, who is also in the mix for backup work, had just five yards on three carries.

Williams trained with a martial arts teacher to lose 20 pounds this offseason and improve his stamina and focus, the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

EDGE Analysis

There are a lot of "best shape of his life" stories in the preseason that don't amount to much, but Williams did something unconventional, and he's been a noticeably different player thus far in camp. He's still in danger of being cut, but he could also win the primary early-down backup job behind Rashad Jennings.

Williams gained 41 yards on nine carries in Friday's 27-10 preseason loss to the Dolphins.

EDGE Analysis

The third-year back looked decisive and quick, an encouraging sign for a player who often looked plodding and ineffective last season. Williams has reportedly lost 15 pounds since the end of the 2015 campaign as he tries to improve on his meager 257-yard total from 2015. He'll likely see some extended action in preseason as he fights to hold on to a roster spot in what is a crowded running back position for the Giants.

Williams has lost 15 pound since last season, The Record's Art Stapleton reports.

EDGE Analysis

After managing just 2.9 yards per carry in his second professional season, Williams is apparently hoping a slimmer build will improve his chances to stick with the team. He may still have to fight for a roster spot, as Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen and fifth-round rookie Paul Perkins are seemingly all locks to make the squad. Even if he displays a significant degree of improvement, Williams is unlikely to be anything more than a backup for early-down situations, with the potential to get some goal-line/short-yardage carries. He likely still weighs about 215-220 pounds.

Williams carried the ball five times for 26 yards in Sunday's loss to Philadelphia.

EDGE Analysis

Williams topped five yards per carry for just the second time this season during Sunday's contest. The Giants' stable has been an enigma all season, but Rashad Jennings came on late with 432 yards and two of his three scores this season in the final four games. With Shane Vereen likely to continue as a valuable passing-game option, it will be up to the new regime to determine whether Jennings' production is worth his contract, if Williams deserves more opportunities or if the Giants' next featured back is in the draft or free agency pool.

Williams carried the ball three times for three yards in Monday's loss to Miami.

EDGE Analysis

Williams rushed for his third highest total of the season in Week 9, a modest 30 yards. He has tallied just 28 in the four games since. Rashad Jennings ran for a season high 22 carries and 81 yards on Monday and, given his success, should be in line for a heavier workload. If that happens, expect Williams to continue to see small workloads.