Jameson Williams Set to Return for Lions After Suspension
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expects wide receiver Jameson Williams to be “ready to roll” when the team faces the Houston Texans on Sunday night, following his two-week suspension for violating the NFL’s Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances. Although Williams hasn’t participated in any games or practices since October 20, Campbell has confidence that the former Alabama All-American will be prepared to contribute immediately as the Lions continue their strong start to the 2024 season.
Williams’ suspension came at a time when the Lions were firing on all cylinders. In his absence, Detroit extended its winning streak, defeating the Tennessee Titans 52-14 on October 27, and the Green Bay Packers 24-14 on Sunday. These victories pushed the Lions’ record to an impressive 7-1, marking one of their best starts in recent memory. Despite the team’s success without Williams, Campbell emphasized that the young receiver would not face any kind of gradual re-entry to the lineup.
“He’s been here,” Campbell said in his press conference on Monday. “He couldn’t be out there at practice, but he was here training. We had him running. He’s in the meetings, all of that, so he’s really been here, and, honestly, we’re throwing him back in there. He’s going. We’re …” As Campbell emphasized his point, he even stepped from behind the lectern to make a kicking motion with his leg, adding humor and energy to his message. “Let’s go, so we’re going to kick him out there with the offense and get him going, man. I expect him to be ready to roll.” This enthusiastic endorsement suggests that Williams will quickly return to full game action and play a pivotal role for the offense.
In his third season with the Lions, Williams has had a mixed, yet promising, career thus far. After being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-1 receiver has shown flashes of his considerable talent but has struggled with consistency. So far in 2024, Williams has played in six games, recording 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns. He has also added four rushing attempts for 34 yards. The speedster is averaging over 20 yards per reception, putting him in elite company. Along with Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts, Williams is one of only two qualifying players in the league to average more than 20 yards per catch in 2024.
All three of Williams’ touchdown receptions this season have covered at least 35 yards, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays. His deep-ball prowess is rivaled only by a few of the league’s top receivers, including Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals, who has four such touchdowns, and Rashid Shaheed of the New Orleans Saints, who also has three. Given his explosive potential, Williams is a key component of the Lions’ high-powered offense, which ranks among the best in the league.
However, while Williams is ready to return on the field, there are still off-the-field issues lingering. He has another pending legal matter that has yet to be resolved, which could potentially impact his availability or standing within the league. However, Campbell’s focus remains on getting Williams back into the groove of things as the Lions prepare for their next game.
The Lions’ upcoming matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday night will be crucial as the team looks to continue its momentum. The game, scheduled for 7:20 p.m. CST at NRG Stadium in Houston, will be televised nationally on NBC. The Texans, led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, have been a surprise team in 2024, with a solid record and a high-scoring offense.
For the Lions, a win would keep them firmly in the hunt for the NFC North title and the top seed in the playoffs, a position they have not occupied in decades. A healthy and fully integrated Williams could be the key to helping Detroit’s offense stay dynamic and potent as the season progresses. The combination of Williams’ speed, route running, and big-play ability makes him a matchup nightmare for defenses, and with quarterback Jared Goff in top form, the Lions’ passing attack is only set to get more dangerous.
With the suspension behind him, Jameson Williams is poised to make a significant impact down the stretch, and as Campbell has made clear, the Lions expect him to be “ready to roll” and hit the ground running. For a team that has already shown its potential, Williams’ return could make them even more formidable in the quest for an NFC playoff spot. The eyes of the league will be on Detroit to see if their high-flying offense can reach even greater heights with Williams back in action.
