PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There is a real possibility that after just three on-field practices with his new team that Avery Williamson will start at middle linebacker for the Steelers on Sunday.
"I definitely feel like I've gotten enough work," Williamson said. "Nothing to going to be perfect, but you have to prepare for the worst."
"Glad I'm soaking the information in and doing a good job at practice. Just have to keep on working. We will see what happens with Vince, hopefully he can play on Sunday."
Williams is a question mark because he came into contact with Vance McDonald, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and isn't allowed around the team until Saturday, that's only if he passes a couple of couple of virus tests.
"It's a tough situation, hopefully he's going to be able to be out there with us this week," Williamson said. "It's what we have to deal with these days. Trying to learn as much as possible and see what will happen this weekend."
The 28-year-old Williamson came over in a trade last week, but with new coronavirus rules in the NFL, couldn't be around the team until after a quarantine period. So Williamson first met his teammates last Saturday and dressed for the game at Dallas the next day, but did not play.
A college teammate of Bud Dupree at Kentucky, Williamson said his first couple of practices have been smoother that he thought from a mental standpoint and he's just trying to soak in all of the information and ask questions. He said there is a similarity between the Steelers defense and the one he started his career playing in Tennessee.
Williamson said he hoped to join the Steelers when he was a free agent in 2018, but signed a three-year, 22.5 million dollar contract with the Jets. Williamson said the Steelers weren't interested then, but that's ok, he's glad to be here now.
"It's a winning mentality and every day is focused on winning and we are getting the results," Williamson said of his time so far with the Steelers. "It's definitely cool and fun. It's a rich tradition and they have a lot of pride in this building. It's exciting to be a part of."
"I'm here to help out as much as possible. As long as we are winning, that's the main thing."
Said the man who went from the now 0-9 Jets to the 8-0 Steelers.
