The Detroit Lions will have an explosive weapon back on offense sooner than thought.
The league said Friday that second-year wide receiver Jameson Williams’ six-game punishment has been reduced,
and he will be reinstated on Monday. Williams is eligible to play in Detroit’s next game on October 8 against Carolina
at Ford Field.
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Williams was originally penalized six games for breaking the league’s gambling rules, but the league and the NFL
Players Union recently reached an agreement on revised gambling policies, which shortened Williams’ suspension.
Betting on NFL games, attempting to rig games, disclosing insider information, or engaging in third-party or proxy
betting are still subject to an indeterminate suspension of at least one year. However, the new policy now states that
players who bet on non-football games in the workplace or while working, as Williams was suspended for, will face a
two-game suspension without pay on the first violation, a six-game suspension on the second violation, and a year-
long suspension without pay on the third violation.
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Williams may return to practice and full activities on Monday, which is a significant boost for the Lions’ offense,
which is currently playing well despite the team’s 3-1 start to the season. Williams adds speed to Detroit’s receiver
corps, which opponents will have to plan for and defend against.
The No. 12 overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft demonstrated some of that explosiveness at the end of last year after
returning from ACL rehab. His first grab in the NFL was a 41-yard touchdown, and he once took a reverse 41 yards
for a close call. His quickness and vertical threat should make it easier for players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh
Reynolds, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs to get open.
Williams suffered a hamstring issue during joint practices with Jacksonville during training camp, but head coach
Dan Campbell confirmed last week that the hamstring was fine. The Lions have an open roster space after placing
Matt Nelson on injured reserve this week.
