Jameson Williams has been making a name for himself with the Detroit Lions this season, but that progress will be interrupted.

According to ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, Williams is facing a two-game suspension for breaching the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances (PES) policy.

Williams indicated he would not appeal the suspension, stating to ESPN that he has “no choice but to take it on the chin.”

“I’m feeling good,” Williams mentioned to Woodyard. “I can’t wait to get back with my teammates as soon as I can.”

As of Tuesday morning, the league had not officially confirmed Williams’ suspension, but head coach Dan Campbell addressed it during his weekly spot on “Costa & Jansen with Heather.”

“All I can say is we’re ready to move on without him,” Campbell shared.

“We’ll manage,” he added, mentioning that other players such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Tim Patrick, and Kalif Raymond are prepared to step up in Williams’ absence.

Here’s what you need to know about Williams’ suspension and its potential effect on the Lions.

What led to Jameson Williams’ suspension?

Williams received a suspension for not adhering to the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substance (PES) policy, often referred to as the league’s Performance-Enhancing Drug (PED) policy.

The NFL and the NFL Player’s Association collaboratively established this policy. As explained in the 2023 version of the guidelines, it aims “to prohibit and deter the use of anabolic/androgenic steroids (including exogenous testosterone), stimulants, human or animal growth hormones, whether sourced naturally or synthesized, and similar substances.”

Players in the NFL can be randomly tested for these banned substances, and may be required to undergo up to 24 blood or urine tests per year. A positive result leads to a disciplinary action, and players who fail to comply with testing requirements are also considered to be in violation of the policy.

Given the duration of Williams’ suspension, it suggests he either tested positive for a substance categorized under “Stimulants, Diuretics, or Masking Agents” or he did not comply with a testing request.

What is the duration of Jameson Williams’ suspension?

Williams will serve a two-game suspension due to the policy violation. As this is his first offense, it’s the shortest possible suspension he could receive under the league’s PES guidelines.

This implies that if he tested positive, it falls under the “Stimulants, Diuretics, or Masking Agents” category, which carries a lighter penalty for first-time offenders than the “Anabolic Agents” category does. The NFL’s PES policy outlines the following:

• Stimulant, Diuretic, or Masking Agent: 2-game suspension
• Anabolic Agent: 6-game suspension
• Both: 8-game suspension

For repeat offenders, the penalties become increasingly severe. A second infraction leads to a suspension of at least five games, while a third results in the player being banned from the NFL for a minimum of two seasons.

Thus, it is critical for Williams to avoid any further positive tests in his future.

Jameson Williams’ suspension history

This is Williams’ first violation of the NFL’s PES policy, but it marks his second suspension overall. In his second season, he received a six-game ban for breaching the league’s gambling policy, which was later cut down to four games.

Williams was one of the players discovered to be placing bets on games at team facilities, which is against league rules. Importantly, he did not bet on any NFL matches, which would typically invoke a harsher penalty, likely a full-season suspension.

Here’s a brief overview of Williams’ suspensions:

• 2023: 4-game suspension for breaching the league’s gambling rules (originally 6, reduced to 4)
• 2024: 2-game suspension for violating the PES policy

Upcoming games for the Detroit Lions

Williams will be sidelined for the next two games due to the suspension. The games are as follows:

• Week 8: vs. Tennessee Titans
• Week 9: at Green Bay Packers

The Lions are still expected to perform well against the Titans, but lacking Williams when facing the Packers in Week 9 could pose a challenge, especially in the tough environment at Lambeau Field.

Lions WR depth chart

With Williams suspended, the Lions are left with five healthy wide receivers on their 53-man roster. Here’s how they rank:

1. Amon-Ra St. Brown
2. Tim Patrick
3. Kalif Raymond
4. Allen Robinson
5. Isaiah Williams

Additionally, veteran Tom Kennedy is on the practice squad. Kennedy has been associated with the Lions in various roles since 2019.

Raymond is well-equipped to step in for Williams, utilizing his speed to potentially enhance his involvement over the next two weeks.

Due to his strong blocking skills, the sizable Patrick is expected to play a larger role and receive more targets in two-receiver formations. This could result in him getting additional opportunities from quarterback Jared Goff.

Additionally, as Campbell pointed out, tight end Sam LaPorta may also benefit from increased passes in the aerial offense, alongside these receivers.