The Detroit Lions are gearing up to take on the Tennessee Titans this weekend while awaiting updates regarding a two-game suspension for receiver Jameson Williams, who reportedly violated the league’s substance abuse policy.
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Lions head coach Dan Campbell stated that the team is ready to play without Williams. “I’m not really supposed to talk about it,” Campbell mentioned on Wednesday.
Williams is facing a two-game ban for breaching the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance rules, as reported by ESPN on Monday. “No choice but to take it on the chin,” Williams told ESPN.
The Lions, with a record of 5-1, will face the Titans, who are currently 1-5, at home on Sunday, followed by a division match against the Green Bay Packers on November 3.
Williams has had an impressive season after previously serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy last year. Campbell did not disclose when the team learned of Williams’ potential suspension or when the appeal window might close this week.
Despite the uncertainty, Williams participated in practice on Wednesday. “He’s going to be here,” Campbell said. “He’s helping until they come through with whatever’s going to happen.”
So far this season, Williams has recorded 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns. Last season, in 12 games, he made 24 catches for 354 yards and two touchdowns. After undergoing knee surgery two years ago, he played six games and scored a 41-yard touchdown.
At just 23 years old, Williams is the first player in franchise history to score each of his first six receiving touchdowns from distances of 30 yards or more.
The Lions traded up to select the former Alabama standout with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft and have been patient with his development. They anticipated he would miss a significant portion of his rookie year due to a knee injury and have publicly supported him through last year’s suspension and this latest issue.
Campbell expressed confidence that Williams would bounce back from this setback, just as he did from his previous suspension. “I think he’s going to come back better than he was before,” Campbell said.
This strategy has proven effective for the Lions this season, providing quarterback Jared Goff with a strong deep-threat option alongside All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, and one of the best running back duos in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
“We adjust, we move on,” Campbell stated.
