According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Williams will be suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances policy. The specific substance hasn’t been disclosed.
Earlier in the 2023 season, Williams received a six-game suspension for betting on sports at the Lions’ facility, although not on NFL games. This was later reduced when the league revised its gambling policy. He missed the first four games of the season.
Williams, a first-round pick by the Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft from Alabama, has had trouble staying on the field. His rookie season was limited to six games due to an ACL injury sustained in college. His second season started slowly after the gambling suspension.
Despite these setbacks, Williams’ third season has been his best, with 361 receiving yards and three touchdowns. However, his progress is now paused due to the suspension.
He will miss games against the Tennessee Titans this weekend and a crucial division matchup against the Green Bay Packers the following week.
The Lions have relied more on Williams this season after allowing wide receiver Josh Reynolds to leave, making him their No. 2 receiver.
During his suspension, the team will lean on Kalif Raymond, newcomer Tim Patrick, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, though no one can replicate Williams’ deep-threat ability.
