The Detroit Lions have been one of the best teams through seven weeks, powered by a terrific offense. However, that offense will be short-handed for a couple of weeks following a two-game suspension for wide receiver Jameson Williams.
We take a look at the circumstances behind Williams’ suspension, his potential return date, and the impact on the Lions in general.
Why Was Jameson Williams Suspended?
Jameson Williams is facing a suspension for violating the performance-enhancing substances (PES) policy.
Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is facing a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances (PES) policy, sources told ESPN’s @E_Woodyard. pic.twitter.com/1XfOqZyAUs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 22, 2024
This likely points to Williams using some type of banned PES. This isn’t Williams’ first suspension. He was also suspended by the NFL for six games during the 2023 season for betting on college football at a team hotel during a road trip, a violation of workplace betting rules. However, Williams’ ban was lifted after four games.
How Long Is Williams’ Suspension?
Williams will miss the Lions’ next two games against the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers. While the Titans home game is manageable with or without Williams, the Week 9 trip to Lambeau Field is one of the biggest games remaining on Detroit’s schedule.
Based on his statement released after the announcement, it doesn’t sound as though Williams is planning to appeal.
Jameson Williams is disappointed with the current suspension but says he has “no choice but to take it on the chin.”
“I’m in good spirits just ready to get back with the my brothers ASAP soon as possible,” Williams told ESPN. https://t.co/A8wR0MmCJJ— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) October 22, 2024
Williams will be eligible to return in Week 10 when Detroit faces another difficult road game at the Houston Texans.
What Is the NFL’s PES Policy?
According to the NFL Players Association, the NFL’s PES policy prohibits players from taking a certain list of substances. That includes anabolic steroids, testosterone stimulants, and synthetic growth hormones, among a list of other specific substances.
A first violation can result in a two-game suspension (which Williams is facing), while subsequent suspensions go in increments of four games, 10 games, and a year.
All NFL players receive one annual test under the league’s PES policy. The policy also mentioned that a percentage of annual tests under the PES policy will also be tested for THC. If a player is in the PES Reasonable Cause pool, they will receive an annual PES test and can also be tested up to 24 times per year.
While all players are ultimately responsible for which substances enter their bodies, the NFL allows players to use banned substances under specific circumstances. If a player is treated by a physician with a banned substance for any condition, the physician must file a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) with an independent administrator.
When a player tests positive for a prohibited substance without previously being granted a TUE, it will result in a positive test and can potentially result in administrative action.
According to the NFL’s drug policy, players can be randomly tested for PES on any day of the year. Players can be tested up to six times during the offseason and have 24 hours to complete the test.
Analyzing Williams’ Hot Start for the Lions in 2024
While the Lions are surely disappointed that Williams is suspended for two games, they are likely pleased with his performance in 2024. After an inconsistent start to his NFL career, Williams has excelled as the second-best wide receiver in Detroit this season.
Williams has finally showcased the game-breaking speed that made him the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. After recording just 395 receiving yards in his first two seasons with the Lions, Williams has 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns in 2024.
Among players with 15 or more receptions this season, Williams ranks second in the NFL with an average of 21.2 yards per catch. Williams is also tied for fourth in the NFL with seven receptions of 20 yards or more this season.
Before the start of the regular season, many questioned if Williams had what it takes to succeed as the second-best wide receiver in Detroit’s offense. Despite a two-game suspension, Williams has clearly shown the ability to be a reliable starting wide receiver for the Lions moving forward.