Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) reacts with wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) after catching a 35 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jared Goff (not pictured) against the Minnesota Vikings the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Citing ‘heart, growth’ Lions’ coach maintains support of WR Jameson Williams

For the second week in a row, Lions head coach Dan Campbell spent a considerable portion of his Wednesday press conference verbalizing full support of suspended wide receiver Jameson Williams.

Campbell came to the defense of Williams as the latest off-field issue — and possible arrest — involving the former first-round pick came to light.

“Look, for me, I judge people over what’s in their heart, and I know what this kid’s made of and he’s worth hanging with,” Campbell said Wednesday.

Prosecutors are looking into whether Williams should be arrested in connection with a police stop on Oct. 8, according to Fox 2 in Detroit.

Authorities found two guns in a car driven by Williams’ brother, who was stopped for speeding, according to multiple reports. A pistol registered to Williams was found beneath his set, but he didn’t have a concealed pistol license required to transport a weapon in Michigan.

Campbell said they learned of the stop from Williams immediately after it took place.

“It certainly doesn’t look good. I get that,” Campbell said when asked about Williams potentially facing a third NFL suspension. “But at the same token, it kind of all came on here at the same time. And it’s really decision-making for him. And that’s where he knows he can be better. Don’t put yourself in those situations. He’s going to learn from this. I still think there’s been a ton of growth out of this kid.”

Williams has 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns through six games (four starts) this season.

Reacting to a suspension for performance-enhancing substances that began last week, Campbell took a similar tone last Wednesday. He said the team trusts Williams and will support him through the suspension.

“I trust this kid,” Campbell said Oct. 23. “I trust him. Unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins. Something happens, and if this comes down, so be it. But I know this, we dangled a rope down on the way up. We can’t wait for anybody. Over a year ago, he started climbing his way up, and he got to us. Maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again. That rope is still there. It’s tied to us, and he’ll be just fine. He’s part of this team, and I trust him.”

The 23-year-old served a four-game suspension in 2023 for using a mobile device to bet on non-NFL games while at a team facility. While the league hasn’t said Williams is facing a third suspension, the NFL can suspend players for off-field conduct and can consider the gravity of cumulative negative publicity.

Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams was hit with a three-game ban by the NFL earlier this week. Williams was charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon in August 2023 and had a previous citation for driving recklessly at speeds over 100 mph.

Selected 12th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Williams missed 11 games his rookie season because of an ACL injury in his final college game.

He has 42 receptions on 81 targets for 756 yards and six TDs in 24 career games (14 starts).

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA;  Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) catches a touchdown pass past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

NFL suspends Lions WR Jameson Williams 2 games for violating PED policy

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams will not appeal a two-game suspension for two games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy, but said he the failed test leading to his second league-imposed ban was a “complete surprise.”

The official NFL announcement on Thursday afternoon confirmed media reports from earlier in the week. Williams will miss Sunday’s home game against the Tennessee Titans and the Nov. 3 game at the Green Bay Packers. The Lions (5-1) play the host Houston Texans on Nov. 10.

Williams released a statement through his agent, Rocky Arceneaux of Alliance Sports.

“This week I was notified by the NFL that I have been suspended for a violation of the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy,” he said.

“The news came as a complete surprise that I am still trying to understand.

“I don’t take supplements or vitamins and I am overly cautious about even taking over-the-counter medicine. At no time have I ever taken something in an attempt to cheat or look for an unfair advantage. I understand that I am responsible for everything that goes into my body and I have to take accountability in this instance.

“I have nothing but love and respect for this game, my teammates, coaches, the Lions organization and the City of Detroit. It is disappointing to accept this suspension, and it will hurt me to be away from the team as they prepare this week. So out of respect to my teammates, this will be the last time I address this matter.”

Williams has 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns through six games (four starts) this season.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday the team trusts Williams and will support him through his latest misstep.

“I trust this kid,” Campbell said. “I trust him. Unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins. Something happens, and if this comes down, so be it. But I know this, we dangled a rope down on the way up. We can’t wait for anybody. Over a year ago, he started climbing his way up, and he got to us. Maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again. That rope is still there. It’s tied to us, and he’ll be just fine. He’s part of this team, and I trust him.”

The 23-year-old served a four-game suspension in 2023 for using a mobile device to bet on non-NFL games while at a team facility.

Selected 12th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Alabama, he missed 11 games his rookie season because of an ACL injury in his final college game. He served a four-game suspension (reduced from six) in 2023 for using a mobile device to bet on non-NFL games while at a team facility — a violation of the NFL’s gambling policy.

He has 42 receptions on 81 targets for 756 yards and six TDs in 24 career games (14 starts).

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA;  Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates with fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Lions back WR Jameson Williams with suspension looming

Days after ESPN reported Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams faces a two-game suspension, he practiced on Wednesday with Detroit preparing to welcome the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

The NFL has not confirmed the suspension of Williams for reportedly testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

“I’m not supposed to really talk about it,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday.

That is because the window for appealing PED bans from the league remains open, and Williams can continue participating in team activities and working out at the facility.

“He’s here. He’s helping,” Campbell said.

Campbell didn’t mince words about his trust level in Williams, who will have a place when he gets back.

“I trust this kid,” Campbell said. “I trust him. Unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins. Something happens, and if this comes down, so be it. But I know this, we dangled a rope down on the way up. We can’t wait for anybody. Over a year ago, he started climbing his way up, and he got to us. Maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again. That rope is still there. It’s tied to us, and he’ll be just fine. He’s part of this team, and I trust him.”

The 23-year-old served a four-game suspension in 2023 for using a mobile device to bet on non-NFL games while at a team facility.

Williams was originally suspended six games for gambling, but two games were trimmed due to a rule change by the league.

Williams appeared to confirm the latest suspension to ESPN on Monday. He said he has “no choice but to take it on the chin. I’m in good spirits just ready to get back with (my) brothers ASAP,” in a text message to the network.

Williams has 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns through six games (four starts) this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA;  Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) catches a touchdown pass past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Report: Lions WR Jameson Williams getting 2-game suspension

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams will receive a two-game suspension stemming from a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy, ESPN reported Monday night.

It’s not the first time that Williams has faced disciplinary action from the league, as the 23-year-old, now in his third season, was on the receiving end of a four-game suspension last year using a mobile device to bet on non-NFL games while at a team facility.

Williams was originally suspended six games for gambling, but he ended up having two games shaved off the punishment due to a rule change by the league.

When speaking about the latest suspension on Monday, Williams told ESPN that he has “no choice but to take it on the chin.”

“I’m in good spirits just ready to get back with (my) brothers ASAP,” Williams said in a text message to ESPN.

Williams has 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns through six games (four starts) this season.

Detroit is 5-1 to start the campaign, tied for the second-best record in the NFL.

–Field Level Media

Aug 19, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) walks off the field after their pre-season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Lions WR Jameson Williams returns from suspension

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams completed his four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy and could make his season debut Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

Williams, the 12th overall pick in the 2022 draft, rejoined the team on Tuesday.

“Today was one of those better days in the last month,” Williams told reporters on Tuesday. “Just getting out there and getting on the field. We had a good day yesterday, so today I put pads on and I feel good today out there with the guys.”

What did Williams do while away from the Lions?

“I did a lot of catching,” Williams said. “I was doing like 100 a day. It was every day. You can do the math on that. It was a lot of catches.”

Williams was limited to six games as a rookie after recovering from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament sustained at the end of his college career at Alabama. His only catch in 2022 was a 41-yard touchdown reception against the Minnesota Vikings. He also had a 40-yard rush later in the season.

He returns to a receiving corps featuring Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds and Marvin Jones Jr.

The NFL suspended Williams and four other players on April 21 for violating its gambling policy. Williams received only a four-game punishment because he placed mobile bets on non-NFL games from a club facility last year. He did not bet on NFL games.

The league has since changed its policy so that betting on non-NFL sports at a team facility or during team-related travel will result in a two-game suspension for a first violation.

“I’m not mad,” Williams said of that revision, according to ESPN. “I’m excited I get to play football and get back to it.”

–Field Level Media

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown catches passes during training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 02, 2023, in Allen Park.

Lions WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams injured

Lions wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams are sidelined by injuries, diminishing their chances of playing in the remaining preseason games.

Williams, who will serve a six-game suspension to start the regular season, has a severe hamstring injury. Coach Dan Campbell ruled him out for the rest of the exhibition slate, meaning the 2022 first-round pick won’t suit up for game action again until Oct. 22 at Baltimore.

Detroit’s No. 1 receiver, St. Brown injured his ankle in Wednesday’s practice, Campbell said, and won’t practice until next week. Campbell labeled the injury “minor” and left open the possibility that St. Brown might not practice again until as late as next Friday.

“We’ll get him back anywhere from Monday to Carolina, anywhere in that window,” Campbell said.

The Lions play the Panthers in a preseason tilt in Charlotte, N.C., on Aug. 25.

St. Brown, 23, had 106 receptions for 1,161 yards and six touchdowns in 2022.

Williams, 22, missed most of last season recovering from a torn ACL suffered at Alabama.

He was suspended by the NFL for violations of the league’s betting policy. Three Lions wide receivers, including since-released Quintez Cephus, were part of the NFL’s April 21 suspension announcement for gambling violations. Wide receiver Stanley Berryhill also was suspended six games. Cephus, ineligible to apply for reinstatement this calendar year, was waived.

Williams, drafted 12th in the first round in 2022, was betting on non-NFL games with cellphones while at the team facility, his agent confirmed.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams watches passing drills during practice Thursday, July 28, 2022 at the Allen Park practice facility.

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Lions activate rookie WR Jameson Williams

The Detroit Lions activated wideout Jameson Williams off the non-football injury list Saturday, paving the way for the rookie to make his NFL debut.

The Lions moved up 20 spots to draft Williams in this year’s draft. Williams has been rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in the College Football Playoff championship game in January while playing for Alabama.

Also Saturday, the Lions activated Romeo Okwara from the reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list and placed Julian Okwara on injured reserve.

The team also elevated OL Ross Pierschbacher from the practice squad to the active roster.

The Lions host the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Lions quarterback Jared Goff, left, and receiver Jameson Williams play walk off the field after playing catch after practice during minicamp on Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Allen Park.

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Lions first-round WR Jameson Williams could debut Sunday

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell needs another day to weigh the decision of whether to play rookie first-round wide receiver Jameson Williams for the first time on Sunday.

Williams is officially questionable, but feels his recovery from a torn ACL in the 2022 national championship game is now complete.

Wearing the familiar No. 9 last donned by Matthew Stafford, Williams was a part of the scout team in practice this week. Campbell said the rookie looks every bit the part, but wasn’t ready to commit to playing him Sunday when the Jacksonville Jaguars come to Ford Field.

“Every day it’s been better. He got a pretty good load,” Campbell said of Williams’ practice schedule.

Williams said he’s going “somewhere close to full speed” and doesn’t believe so-called rust is a factor.

“I’m running real fast right now,” Williams said. “I feel real fast. I’m feeling good.”

But Williams said he won’t have much say in the decision on his return date, which could be shifted to next week against the Minnesota Vikings.

Williams, 21, started the season on the NFI list, rehabbing a torn ACL sustained in the College Football Playoff championship game while playing for Alabama against Georgia in January.

Williams was a big-play threat for the Crimson Tide with four touchdown receptions of 70-plus yards. The Lions took on the risk despite his injury, trading up 20 spots to select Williams in the first round.

–Field Level Media

Lions quarterback Jared Goff, left, and receiver Jameson Williams play walk off the field after playing catch after practice during minicamp on Thursday, June 9, 2022, in Allen Park.

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Lions first-round WR Jameson Williams practices Monday

Rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams took the field for practice with the Detroit Lions on Monday, marking the debut of the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Lions have 21 days to activate Williams from non-football injury list (NFI) to the active roster.

Williams, 21, started the season on the NFI list, rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in the College Football Playoff championship game while playing for Alabama against Georgia in January.

Williams was a big-play threat for the Crimson Tide with four TD receptions of 70-plus yards. The Lions took on the risk despite his injury, trading up 20 spots to select Williams in the first round.

Head coach Dan Campbell said last week that Williams was close, but projected he would return after the Week 12 Thanksgiving Day game with the Buffalo Bills.

“I don’t know if that would be the Jacksonville week or the week after. It could be (Thanksgiving) week, it’s just we’re not doing a ton, but he’s close. We’ll see where it goes. He’s progressing, there’s no setbacks,” Campbell said.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams watches passing drills during practice Thursday, July 28, 2022 at the Allen Park practice facility.

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Lions’ 1st-round pick to wear No. 9 with Matthew Stafford’s blessing

Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams reached out to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for permission to wear the No. 9 jersey in Detroit.

Williams, who was selected with the 12th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, initially chose No. 18 in what he considered to be honoring Calvin Johnson. The Pro Football Hall of Famer had worn No. 81 during his career with the Lions.

Williams revealed his jersey number on Instagram, but only after reportedly reaching out to Stafford via text as a courtesy.

Stafford didn’t have any objections, per ESPN.

To be clear, the number is not retired by the Lions and Williams was under no obligation to ask for permission.

Stafford played 12 seasons with the Lions after the team selected him with the top overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft. He went on to guide the Rams to a Super Bowl title last season in his first campaign with the club.

Williams is recovering from a torn ACL he sustained while playing for Alabama in the national championship game.

He caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns in 15 games last season for the Crimson Tide.

–Field Level Media