The Detroit Lions will indeed be without wide receiver Jameson Williams for the next two games.
On Monday night, ESPN's Eric Woodyard reported Williams was facing a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy. With no announcement from the league, and being within the five-day window to do so, it was assumed Williams was (or was going to) appeal the suspension.
Per the peformance-enhancing substance policy, a player is subject to a two-game suspension when they test positive for a "stimulant, diuretic or masking agent."
On Thursday afternoon, according to multiple reports, Williams will not appeal the suspension. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport worded his report to say Williams was dropping an appeal, and that the Lions' receiver had been facing a PED suspension for the last several weeks.
With his statement, #Lions WR Jameson Williams is dropping his appeal of his two-game suspension, paving the way for him to be out this week and next week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2024
Williams had been facing a PED suspension the last several weeks, one he confirmed to @E_Woodyard. pic.twitter.com/OwgGff0GvZ
Jameson Williams issues token statement about suspension
Via his agency, Williams issued a statement in concert with the reports he will not appeal his suspension. It is similar to most statements we see in these situations.
"This week I was notified by the NFL that I have been suspended for a violation of the Performance Enhancing Substances Policy."
"The news came as a complete surprise that I am still trying to understand," Williams wrote. "I don't take supplements or vitamins and I am overly cautious about even taking over-the-counter medicine. At no time have I ever taken something in an attempt to cheat or look for an unfair advantage."
"I have nothing but love and respect for this game, my teammates, coaches, the Lions organization and the City of Detroit. It is disappointing to accept this suspension, and it will hurt me to be away from the team as they prepare this week. So out of respect to my teammates, this will be the last time I address this matter.”
Williams practiced on Wednesday, and he was spotted at Thursday's practice before the news he will accept the suspension came.
As expected when the suspension was initially reported and if it held up, Williams will miss Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans and Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. On Wednesday, head coach Dan Campbell reinforced that he trusts Williams, despite a second suspension in as many seasons after he served a four-game suspension for a gambling violation last year.
"I trust this kid. I trust him,” Campbell said. “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. He’s part of this team, and I trust him.”