ALLEN PARK — Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams appears to be facing his second NFL suspension, but coach Dan Campbell trusts him. That is key moving forward.
While the suspension isn’t official yet, ESPN reported that he is to be suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s Performance Enhancing Substance policy.
Campbell was not allowed to talk specifics about the situation while it’s under appeal.
“Here’s what I can tell you, I trust this kid, I trust him. Unfortunately you have to pay for your sins if something happens and this comes down, so be it,’’ Campbell said on Wednesday.
“I know this, we dangled the rope down on the way up, we can’t wait for anybody. Over a year ago he started climbing his way up and 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 coach added.
Williams was suspended by the NFL for six games for violating the gambling policy at the start of the 2023 season. It was reduced to four games when the rule was changed. So this is not his first rodeo.
“There’s enough things, he and I have had enough dialect about things that have happened. When he tells me something I know what it is, that’s the best way I can say it,’’ Campbell said. “This happened, it is what it is and move on. He’s put the work in, he put his best foot forward and, like I say, he lost his grip. He’ll be back.’’
Williams practiced on Wednesday. He’s had a solid start in the first six games with three touchdowns and 17 catches for 361 yards – an average of 21.2 yards per catch.
“We’re prepared not to have him and it’s all good. He’s going to be here, he’s helping. Until they come through with whatever is going to happen he’s with us, he’s part of this team, he’s helping out and we’re good,’’ Campbell said.
The Lions have plenty of depth at the position. Campbell mentioned Allen Robinson could get more work and they could bring up Isaiah Williams from the practice squad.
“This is the first little bit of stuff we’ve been hit with so we adjust, move on, life’s good,’’ Campbell said.
The Lions (5-1) are at home against the Titans (1-5) on Sunday. The next week they play a key division game at Green Bay (5-2).
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