BREAKING: Jets WR Mike Williams has a lot further ahead than we imagined in his recovery from ruptured ACL.

The New York Jets activated Mike Williams from the physically unable to perform list this week, allowing the wide receiver to participate in individual drills for the first time in Green.

Coach Robert Saleh observed that Williams, who is recovering from a ruptured ACL, is ahead of plan, but the club will keep him out of team drills for at least the next three weeks.

“The good news is obviously he’s a lot further ahead than we anticipated,” Saleh told SNY on Thursday. “If I’m not mistaken, he started out with individual and route-running events, so that will be his evolution.

He will be participating in all of the walkthroughs, including individual routes on air. “So, for the next week or two, that’s all we’ll see unless he feels better. But we anticipate him returning to team work in a few weeks.”

Williams suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 3 last season. He was released by the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason after refusing a pay cut and landed with Gang Green.

“It felt good,” Williams said of his return. “I’ve been working off to the side for some time. Now just to do individuals with the group, it felt good. Putting on shoulder pads, running with the guys felt good.”

Activating Williams ahead of schedule gives the wideout a better chance to hit the ground running in Week 1. While he won’t do team drills yet, he can still work with Aaron Rodgers to build chemistry.

Williams was added as a key piece this offseason for an offense looking to bounce back from last season’s disaster.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Williams said. “I feel like I help the offense, I help this team explosively in the passing game, block outside on the edge for the backs, and put some points on the board.”

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