Lions' Williams gets in own way again with reported suspension for violating league's performance-enhancing substance policy

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Allen Park — Jameson Williams’ breakout season is about to be put on hold because of another self-inflicted mistake.

According to an ESPN report, the Detroit Lions wide receiver is facing a two-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.

According to league documentation, a two-game suspension results from a positive test for a stimulant, diuretic or masking agent. Had Williams tested positive for an anabolic agent, the punishment would have been more severe; six games.

Reached for comment about the impending ban, Williams told ESPN he has “no choice but to take it on the chin.” He also told the site he’s in good spirits and looks forward to rejoining his team ASAP.

That makes it sound like Williams will serve the suspension immediately. That means he will miss Detroit’s upcoming games against Tennessee and Green Bay. The team did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

This marks the second suspension of Williams’ three-year career. He violated the league’s gambling policy during his rookie year for placing a bet on a non-NFL event at an official league venue, which extends to the team plane and hotel during road trips. The initial punishment for that violation was six games, but it was ultimately reduced to four when the league reconfigured the policy.

In part due to the previous suspension, Williams experienced a sluggish start to his career after being selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2022 draft. He missed most of his rookie year recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the national championship game while at Alabama.

He would return in a limited capacity late that season, catching just one of nine targets for 41 yards and a touchdown. Following last year’s suspension, he struggled with consistency and drops after rejoining the team. In 12 games, he tallied 24 catches for 354 yards and two scores.

Williams finally turned a corner this year. Building off a strong offseason where he was praised by coaches and teammates for his improved work habits and maturity. He needed only five games to exceed his production from the previous season, and he was the team’s leading receiver prior to last week’s win over Minnesota.

“When we drafted him, we said, ‘He’s going to need to grow up a little bit.’ And he did,” general manager Brad Holmes said before the season.

This most recent suspension proves there’s still more growing up to do.

While it’s impossible to replace Williams’ big-play potential, the Lions are equipped to handle the short-term absence. Tim Patrick has stepped up in recent weeks as the No. 3 option.

"Tim Patrick has been an excellent addition for us," Lions coach Dan Campbell said Monday. "That guy, we desperately needed somebody like him, and he fits the mold of everything we’re looking for. He rounds that receiver room out."

Additionally, speedy return man Kalif Raymond is coming off his best game of the season after a slow start, catching three balls for 39 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota.

Further down the depth chart the Lions have proven veteran Allen Robinson and undrafted rookie Isaiah Williams ready to take more snaps if necessary. Neither has caught a pass for the Lions this season.