ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Before the Denver Broncos’ season opener Monday, there were those who believed running back Javonte Williams might break 11 tackles in a game, have 11 carries in a quarter or even make his teammates celebrate 11 times after rumbling over yet another defender.

But Williams making 11 receptions likely wouldn’t have been on the list. Yet the second-year running back had exactly that in the 17-16 loss to the Seahawks, recording six more catches than any other Broncos player. And coach Nathaniel Hackett has said the Broncos will keep on throwing the ball to Williams if it gives him the chance to get a little room to work in the open field.

While the Broncos won't keep Williams from doing what he does best, which is run through defenders like he's on commission, consider the question personnel evaluators had about Williams in the run-up to the 2021 NFL draft -- whether he could be a dual-threat running back -- answered.

“I always feel like I can contribute any way,’’ Williams said. “I just want us to win. I’m here to win. Whether that’s running the ball, catching, blocking whatever. I’m not really counting it all up, I’m ready when they call it.’’

Williams had 43 receptions and three receiving touchdowns as a rookie. And with the arrival of the new coaching staff, all of the Broncos’ players, Williams included, were up for evaluation as to where they fit in the playbook.

When the Broncos re-signed Melvin Gordon III before the draft it many believed he may be the primary receiving threat at running back for the Broncos. But quarterback Russell Wilson showed he sees Williams is a quality outlet if things get dicey in the pocket while Hackett, in his first regular-season game as head coach and playcaller, showed he believes in the screen pass.

Williams' work against the Seahawks -- 108 total yards on 18 touches with 11 receptions for 65 yards -- could be the first sign of what's to come with his skill set.

The Broncos have also flashed personnel groupings in longer down-and-distance situations with both Williams and Gordon in the backfield.

Williams’ 11 catches was the second most by a running back in a game in Broncos franchise history. Bobby Anderson’s 13 receptions against the Chicago Bears Sept. 30, 1973, is the team’s single-game receptions record for a back.

“You want to try to get the ball in the playmakers hands, however you can,’’ Broncos offensive coordinator Justin Outten said.

Gordon added: “He’s got that in his game. [Williams] out there, in space, that’s a problem [for a defense]. And it’s something all of us in our running backs room – Javonte, me, Mike Boone, we take pride in. It’s something we can bring to the table.’’