Dallas Cowboys DE Sam Williams has torn knee ligaments and will require season-ending surgery

FILE – Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams looks on during warmups before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Jan. 7, 2024, in Landover, Maryland. Williams tore ligaments in his left knee while participating in special teams drills on Sunday, July 28, 2024, and will require surgery to end the season. (AP Photo/Jessica Rapfogel, File)

OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams tore ligaments in his left knee Sunday while participating in special teams drills and will require season-ending surgery.

Williams was injured during a blocking drill with the Cowboys, who were not yet wearing protective gear. He was treated by trainers for a few minutes, but then put no weight on his leg as he was helped onto a motorized cart that took him off the field.

The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Williams was expected to step into a bigger role as an edge rusher this season after defensive end Dorance Armstrong and outside linebacker Dante Fowler left the Cowboys in free agency during the offseason.

A 2022 second-round draft pick out of Mississippi, Williams has played in 32 regular-season games over the past two seasons, including all 17 last year. He has 8 1/2 career sacks.

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