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.