The Detroit Lions didn't have the services of wide receiver Jameson Williams in Week 8 after the former first-round pick was suspended by the league last month.
Williams is in the midst of a breakout season with the Lions. After two quiet years to begin his career, the Alabama product has tallied 361 receiving yards and three touchdowns over six games, both of which are career-highs for him.
But Williams' breakout campaign was put on hold after he was given a two-game ban stemming from his violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Williams did not appeal the suspension.
In a statement, Williams denied knowingly taking a banned substance, but also took responsibility for the suspension.
"The news came as a complete surprise that I am still trying to understand," he said in the Oct. 24 statement. "I don't take supplements or vitamins and I am overly cautious about even taking over-the-counter medicine.
"At no time have I ever taken something in an attempt to cheat or look for an unfair advantage. I understand that I am responsible for everything that goes into my body and I have to take accountability in this instance."
When does Jameson Williams return from suspension?
Williams was handed a two-game suspension for his violation, and with the clock on the ban starting last week, Williams will also miss the Week 9 game against the Green Bay Packers. He will return in Week 10 against the Houston Texans.
The Lions wide receiver has now been suspended twice since entering the league in 2022 as the No. 12 overall pick. He was given a suspension in 2023 after he violated the league's gambling policy.
Williams may have gotten himself into more hot water after he was nearly arrested early last month on a gun charge. Williams was in the passenger seat of a car being driven by his brother when it was pulled over and a gun was found under his seat.
The 23-year-old did not have a permit to carry a concealed weapon and was handcuffed and put into the back of a police car before ultimately being let go. There is an investigation into why Williams wasn't arrested and it's possible he could still face a charge, whether it be a felony or misdemeanor.
It's also possible Williams could face a suspension from the league depending on how things turn out with the investigation, but that remains to be seen. For now, Williams is fully expected to be on the field in Week 10.
