With a 31-29 win vs. Minnesota in Week 7, the Lions are 5-1 this season. They handed the Vikings their first loss of the season and took over first place in the NFC North. Lions QB Jared Goff has been playing at an extremely high level over their last four games, with the team going 4-0 over that stretch. Additionally, the Lions are averaging a blistering 40.0 points in their last three games. It is clear that Detroit’s offense is firing on all cylinders.
Unfortunately, the news isn’t all positive for the Lions. ESPN’s Eric Woodyard reported that WR Jameson Williams is facing a two-game suspension due to a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The 23-year-old will miss the next two games, against the Titans and Packers.
The Lions invested a lot in Williams when they selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He had an impressive collegiate career at Alabama, leading the NCAA in receiving yards (1,572), yards per reception (19.9), and receiving touchdowns (15) in 2021. He was due to have a breakout season this year, but his injury in the National Championship game limited him to just six games as a rookie.
However, Williams’ rookie season was not all smooth sailing. He was suspended for the first four games of the season for mobile betting on non-NFL games from a club facility. While the suspension was originally set for six games, it was later reduced. In 2023, Williams played in 12 games for the Lions, making 10 starts and recording 24 catches for 354 yards and two touchdowns. In six games and four starts this season, he has already accumulated a career-high 361 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Williams is second on the team in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2024, but his absence will be felt in the next two games. Despite this setback, the Lions’ offense has shown remarkable resilience, with Goff at the helm. As they look to continue their winning streak, they will need to find a way to compensate for Williams’ loss and keep their momentum going.
