How long will Lions WR be out?

Jameson Williams is enjoying a breakout season for the Detroit Lions, but it's on hold.

Eric Woodyard of ESPN reports that Williams faces a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances (PES).

Williams is not expected to appeal the suspension and told ESPN that he had “no choice but to take the suspension lightly.”

“I’m in good spirits,” Williams said, according to Woodyard. “I'm just ready to get back to my brothers as soon as possible. As soon as possible.”

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As of Tuesday morning, the NFL had not announced Williams' suspension, but Dan Campbell was asked about it during his weekly appearance on “Costa & Jansen with Heather.”

“All I can tell you is we’re willing to not have him,” Campbell said.

“We'll be fine,” he added, before noting that the team's other weapons: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond, among others, would be ready to replace the third-year fullback .

Here's everything you need to know about Williams' suspension and what impact it could have on the Lions.

Why was Jameson Williams suspended?

Williams was suspended for violating the NFL's Performance-Enhancing Substance (PES) policy, also known colloquially as the NFL's Performance-Enhancing Drug (PED) policy.

The NFL and NFLPA developed the policy together. According to a 2023 version of the documentThe aim is to “prohibit and prevent the use of anabolic/androgenic steroids (including exogenous testosterone), stimulants, human or animal growth hormones, whether natural or synthetic.” and related or similar substancesS.”

NFL players are randomly tested for these substances and may be required to take up to 24 blood or urine tests per year. Players who present a positive test will be subject to disciplinary action, and any player who refuses to appear for required testing or fails to fully cooperate with the collection process will also be considered in violation of the policy.

Therefore, Williams either tested positive for a banned substance, which would fall into the “stimulant, diuretic or masking agent” category given the length of his suspension, or he did not respond to a testing request.

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How long is Jameson Williams' suspension?

Williams faces a two-game ban for violating the rules. As a first-time offender, this is the shortest suspension he can receive for violating the league's PES guidelines.

It also means that if Williams tested positive for a banned substance, it would fall into the “stimulant, diuretic or masking agent” category and not the “anabolic agent” category. According to the NFL's PES guidelines, first-time offenders face a less severe penalty than the latter.

stimulant, diuretic, or Masking Agent: Suspension for 2 games
Anabolic active ingredient: Suspension for 6 games
Both: Suspension for 8 games

The penalties are becoming increasingly harsher for second and third-time offenders. Second offenders face a ban of at least five games and a maximum of one entire season. Third-party offenders will be “banned from the NFL for a period of at least two seasons.”

Therefore, it will be crucial for Williams to avoid a second positive test during his career.

Jameson Williams Suspension History

While it is Williams' first time violating the NFL's PES policy, it is his second career suspension. During his second NFL season, he was suspended six games for violating the league's gambling policy, but his punishment was eventually reduced to four games.

Williams was among the NFL players caught placing bets at team facilities, which is prohibited under the league's gambling policy. He did not bet on NFL games, which would have resulted in a suspension for at least a full season.

Here is a timeline of Williams' suspensions:

2023: 4-game suspension for violating league gambling policy (originally 6, reduced to 4)
2024: Two-game suspension for violating the league's PES guidelines

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Williams is expected to miss Detroit's next two games following his suspension. They are as follows:

The Lions are still the favorite to beat the Titans, but if they are without the speedster in their Week 9 clash with the Packers, their chances of winning in the always difficult Lambeau Field environment could be hurt .

Lions WR depth chart

The Lions have five healthy wide receivers on their 53-man roster without Williams. Here is the pecking order of these options:

Amon-Ra St. Brown
Tim Patrick
Caliph Raymond
Allen Robinson
Isaiah Williams

The team has veteran outside hitter Tom Kennedy on the practice squad. Kennedy has been with the Lions in various roles since 2019.

Raymond is a natural replacement for Williams due to his speed. He should see an increase in snaps over the next two weeks. Because of his blocking ability, the stocky Patrick should see more action and looks in two-receiver sets. That could lead to him getting more looks from Jared Goff.

As Campbell mentioned, in addition to those receivers, tight end Sam LaPorta also saw more looks in the passing game.

Why was Jameson Williams suspended?

How long is Jameson Williams' suspension?

Jameson Williams Suspension History

Lions WR depth chart

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