Jameson Williams catches 2-point conversion in preseason opener
Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams made his first significant contribution of the 2023 preseason against the New York Giants Friday.
After Lions wideout Maurice Alexander returned a punt for a 95-yard score, Detroit lined up at the two-yard line to attempt a two-point conversion. Quarterback Nate Sudfeld found Williams in the back of the end zone on a perfectly placed ball to cut the Giants’ lead to 13-11.
Williams, Detroit’s first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, was expected to get plenty of work in the preseason with a six-game regular season suspension looming for violating the league’s gambling policy. Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters Williams will get “a ton of game reps” in Detroit’s three preseason games. The former Ohio State and Alabama standout has put together an impressive showing through training camp, and Campbell said game action is a critical part of his development.
“He needs that,” Campbell recently said. “As he does practice. But man, and I’m telling you, as with anybody, the more reps he gets, the more time on tests, the more consecutive practices and reps he can put together, he’ll just grow. I really believe that. And I do believe he wants it. I do believe he wants to get better. … So, he’ll grind through this and let’s see where we can go with it.”
Jameson Williams facing 6-game suspension for violating NFL’s gambling policy
Williams had one reception for 41 yards in six appearances last season as he acclimated himself to the NFL. By missing so much time — including training camp — it hindered his development and transition from the college game.
That’s why Campbell is putting so much emphasis on getting Williams reps during preseason games.
“I think it’s just, man, time on task, work through it,” Campbell said. “Because honestly, there are some things that just the simple change of the way your hands are by ball location – pinkie to pinkie, thumb to thumb – that’ll go a long way for him. And so, we just have to keep working through it.”
Williams was one of multiple NFL players suspended for violating the league’s gambling policy over the offseason. He opted not to appeal it, though, and admitted he didn’t know the rules regarding betting during his first season in the league. As a result, he won’t be able to play until Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens.
“I just left it alone. They gave me six games and we left it at that,” Williams said to a gaggle of reporters in May. “I’m just looking forward to coming back Week 7. Getting back with my team out there, playing the game.”