When the Detroit Lions selected wide receiver Jameson Williams with the 12th overall pick in last year’s draft, it came with the understanding that he’d contribute little, if at all, as a rookie, after suffering a torn ACL during the National Championship Game on Jan. 10, 2022. Williams would ultimately debut in Week 13 and appear in six games for Detroit, logging a total of 78 snaps. He was targeted nine times and finished his rookie season with one reception, a 41-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings.
With the Lions finishing at 9-8, the franchise’s first winning season since 2017, excitement was high for the young team to take the next step in 2023. That feeling certainly extended to Williams, whose deep speed looks like the perfect complement to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has established himself as one of the top young possession receivers in the league. Unfortunately, Lions fans and fantasy owners are going to have to wait a little extra time to see that duo in action.
That’s because on April 22, the NFL suspended five players for violating the league’s gambling policy, four of whom were Lions. That included Williams, who drew a six-game ban since he did not bet on NFL games. While the duration of the suspension might qualify as a silver lining, it still means Detroit will get what amounts to 23 games of nothing to begin the first-rounder’s career. While Williams will take part in training camp and the preseason, he’ll be barred from team facilities starting in Week 1.
