Lions’ Jameson Williams is practicing in anticipation of a possible ban

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  • Eric Woodyard of ESPNOctober 23, 2024 14:14 ET

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      Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as the NBA’s Midwest reporter before assuming his current position in April 2021. The Flint, Michigan native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and is the author/co-author of three books: Wasted, Searching for Ethan’s Talents” and “Everything: The Kelvin Torbert Story.” He is the proud parent of one son, Ethan. You can follow him on Twitter: @E_Woodyard

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who is facing a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy, continues to practice and surround the team until an official announcement is made by the league.

ESPN sources said the league informed Williams of his positive test this week but has not yet issued an official ruling because he has time to appeal the decision, which allows him to continue training.

Coach Dan Campbell said the team is prepared to play without him this week against Tennessee, but he still has faith in the 23-year-old Williams, who also was suspended for four games in 2023 for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.

“I trust this kid. I trust him. And unfortunately you have to pay for your sins,” Campbell said Wednesday. “If something happens and it goes down, so be it. But I know one thing, we hung a rope on the way up. We can’t wait for anyone.

“And over a year ago he started climbing and reached us. He may have lost his grip, but he’s climbing again. That rope is still there. “She’s attached to us and she’ll be fine, but she’s part of this team and I trust her.”

The Lions traded up 20 spots to select Williams 12th overall in the 2022 draft, and he missed 11 games this season with a knee injury suffered at Alabama. He is currently having a breakout year and ranks second on the team in receiving yards (361) and touchdowns (3).

Campbell expressed confidence that this latest incident would not derail his progress.

“He has matured a lot and I understand that, I understand where he is at. I know it can be frustrating,” Campbell said. “Listen, it’s frustrating and frustrating for us because I have to answer these questions and the team is going to have to answer them when they shouldn’t, but at the end of the day they’ve made a lot of progress.

“He has made huge progress and I see that and I think the team sees that too. So I think he will come back better than before.”