Report: Detroit Lions activating Jameson Williams, could make NFL debut vs. Jacksonville

Jameson Williams Lions — Nic Antaya / Getty Images

Former Alabama receiver and first-round draft pick Jameson Williams‘ NFL debut is potentially just around the corner, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting Saturday afternoon the Detroit Lions are activating him ahead of this weekend’s contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Williams suffered a torn ACL in last season’s national championship game against Georgia and has yet to make an NFL appearance.

He starred for the Crimson Tide after transferring from Ohio State following the 2020 season, earning first-team All-American and All-SEC honors in 2021, as well as being named the SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year.

But following his torn ACL, Jameson Williams’ NFL debut was put on hold. It’s unclear if he’ll actually play Sunday against the Jaguars, with Lions coach Dan Campbell noting Monday he thought that was a long shot, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The Lions would certainly love to get him involved at some point, though.

Teammates rave about Jameson Williams’ ability, confidence

It’s clear the excitement level about the potential for Williams, who was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is sky high in the Lions’ organization.

“One thing about him that a lot of guys don’t have is the confidence, just the confidence in himself to go out there and make the play,” fellow receiver D.J. Chark said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “If you have that, that’s half the battle. If you believe you can make the play, you will make the play. And I feel like he has that and once we can get him acclimated into the system, now you got guys like Saint (Amon-Ra St. Brown), him, Leaf (Kalif Raymond), J-Rey (Josh Reynolds), me. Sky’s the limit.”

Williams recorded 79 catches for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns for Alabama in 2021, while also adding three carries for 23 yards. He also had 10 kickoff returns for 352 yards and two touchdowns.

In two years at Ohio State, Williams recorded 15 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns.