As of Thursday morning, the NFL has not announced a reported two-game performance-enhancing substance suspension for Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams. He is still in his window to appeal, with reports Wednesday that he is undecided on that.
Every time he has spoken since the news of the suspension broke, Lions' head coach Dan Campbell has said the team is preparing to be without Williams on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. But until the league makes an announcement/he decides not to appeal, Williams is able to practice and there's a chance he'll be able to play against the Titans.
Update, 2:55 p.m. ET: According to multiple reports later on Thursday, Williams will not appeal his two-game suspension and will miss the next two games. He also issued a statement confirming his acceptance of the suspension.
But, as expected, there is a plan to fill in for Williams.
Dan Campbell points to opportunity for Allen Robinson
On Wednesday, Campbell talked about Williams and (again) who will be called on to step up in his absence (again, if it happens). Kalif Raymond was prominently mentioned, as was a newer addition.
"I would say Allen Robinson, I mean we just went through the walkthrough, I mean, he’s going to take on a heavy load here, too", Campbell said. "Talk about a pro, man, I mean, he’s locked in. Everything we just went through, I mean, it’s meticulous, which fires you up."
The Lions signed Robinson to their practice squad coming into the season, and he was signed to the 53-man roster after playing just one snap in Week 3. He has played nine snaps since, all in the blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6.
Robinson's best days seem to be well behind him at 31 years old. But his drop-off over the last three seasons has been a marked by bad quarterback play or injury, so it's hard to unequivocally say he's cooked. Upon signing with the New York Giants last offseason, he was quickly phased out in favor of younger players.
Robinson does not have to recapture his previous peak form to be helpful to the Lions. It has been worth wondering when he might get more of a chance to play. Williams being unavailable has pushed that door open, starting Sunday.