Jameson Williams to get 'a ton' of reps during preseason amid gambling suspension

Last year, Jameson Williams only appeared in six games for the Detroit Lions as he worked his way back from a torn ACL. He’ll also miss the first six games of the 2023 season due to a suspension for breaking NFL rules regarding gambling, meaning he’ll play a shortened campaign once again.

But even though he’ll miss some of the regular season, Williams will be allowed to play in preseason games. In fact, Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed he’ll see the field quite a bit.

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 said, via ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “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.”

Last year, Williams had one reception for 41 yards in six appearances to get himself acclimated with the NFL game. 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.”

On3’s Andrew Graham contributed to this report.