Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is being hit with a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy, according to a report from ESPN and Eric Woodyard. It’s an unfortunate hit to the Lions and for Williams, who has taken a big step forward in his third NFL season.
The suspension has not officially been announced as of early Tuesday morning.
Here’s everything we know about the suspension for Williams. We’ll keep updating as more information comes in
Williams acknowleged the suspension
In a social media post, ESPN’s Eric Woodyard quoted Williams as saying he is “disappointed” with the suspension. Williams told Woodyard 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 soon as possible,” Williams continued.
The Lions have not yet commented on the reported suspension.
Related suspensions
Los Angeles quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was hit with an identical two-game suspension for the first two games of the 2024 season. Garoppolo claimed he violated the “therapeutic use exemption” portion of the policy. It stemmed from not filing the proper paperwork for an unidentified substance that is generally banned by the NFL rules. Garoppolo did not appeal.
Lions schedule
The Lions host the Tennessee Titans (1-6) in Week 8 and visit the Green Bay Packers (5-2) in Week 9, a key NFC North matchup.
Not related to Williams’ 2023 suspension
This suspension is not related to the six-game suspension Williams was assessed to begin the 2023 NFL season. That ban was for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.
Williams only served four games after the NFL dropped the final two games. The NFL altered the rule that Williams violated, resulting in the reduction.
Filling Jamo’s role
Williams has been a key piece of the Lions explosive offense in 2024. He’s caught 17 passes on 30 targets, netting 361 yards and three touchdowns. He’s second on the team in targets and yards behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and third in receptions, with RB Jahmyr Gibbs at 18. Williams also has 32 rushing yards on four carries.
Veteran Kalif Raymond is the most likely direct replacement. Raymond caught his first touchdown of the season in the Week 7 win in Minnesota, a game where Williams had only one catch for minus-4 yards. Raymond has the vertical speed closest to Williams, though he lacks the size and dynamic playmaking of Jamo.
The Lions have veteran Allen Robinson on the active roster. Robinson has yet to see a target in his two games since being signed from the team’s practice squad. Undrafted rookie Isaiah Williams is also on the roster. Williams has been a healthy scratch in recent weeks and is more of a slot receiver than a vertical threat.