 Despite his success in the first two weeks of the season, Williams was used as a back up once All-Pro starter Le'Veon Bell returned from his two-game suspension.In Bell's first game back, Williams received only one carry for two yards in a Week 3 12–6 victory over the St. Louis Rams.In Week 4, against the Baltimore Ravens, Williams had only two rushing attempts for five yards in the 23–20 loss.