What we know about Lions WR Jameson Williams’ reported suspension

ALLEN PARK -- Jameson Williams spoke with ESPN after the outlet reported he was facing a two-game suspension, saying he had “no choice but to take it on the chin.” Dan Campbell said the Detroit Lions were preparing to be without the wide receiver during his weekly radio spot.

So, why hasn’t the suspension been confirmed by the NFL, Lions or one of the NFL Network’s many insiders two days later?

For those looking for the answers to those questions, there is a window where the player can decide to appeal the suspension or not. Williams is in that window and will be able to practice up until that decision is made, which will spark official team and league announcements. The news of the pending suspension came out before an appeal decision was made, per sources.

Campbell spoke with reporters on Wednesday morning, and wasn’t able to confirm much beyond what he told 97.1 The Ticket earlier in the week. The Lions head coach said Williams is here helping the team until something comes down officially, but they are preparing to play the Tennessee Titans without him.

“I’m not supposed to really talk about it, so, but no (don’t expect to have him this weekend),” Campbell said. “We’re prepared not to have him. It’s all good. He’s going to be here. He’s helping, until they come through with it -- with whatever is going to happen. He’s with us. He’s part of this team. He’s helping out and we’re good, man.

“I think step one is what he’s doing right now. He’s here and he’s helping. If he’s not able to go, then he’ll be helping on scout team, which is awesome.”

It’s a disappointing update to such a positive stretch of play, quotes and headlines for Williams. He has been delivering on his high-octane breakout potential in the team’s offense. He’s been a legit home-run hitter, with 361 receiving yards and three touchdowns on just 17 catches in six games.

Williams was even getting love from his coaches and teammates for changing the ways defenses were playing the Lions. Ben Johnson, the team’s offensive coordinator, called it the “Jameson effect,” with defenses needed to account for his game-breaking speed while keeping tabs on the other playmakers around.

Campbell added he has all the confidence in the world in Kalif Raymond, Allen Robinson and Isaiah Williams for answering the call without Jameson Williams. But it’s the second time Jameson Williams has been suspended in three seasons, and Campbell talked about his trust in the wideout and where they go from here.

The Lions host the Titans this weekend, then head to Green Bay to face the Packers next week, as the likely two games without Jameson Williams in the lineup.

“Here’s what I can tell you -- I trust this kid,” Campbell said. “I trust him. Unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins. Something happens, and if this comes down, so be it. But I know this, we dangled a rope down on the way up, we can’t wait for anybody. Over a year ago, he started climbing his way up and he 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.

“But he’s part of this team. And I trust him.”

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