Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams left practice Wednesday due to injury. He reportedly pulled up during a route in practice and exited the field.
Williams appeared in just six games last season after tearing his ACL during his final season at Alabama. He ended up as a first round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
But, this is not the first time Williams was hurt this summer. He missed time in training camp with a leg issue.
The former Crimson Tide wideout will miss the first six games of the 2023 season after a gambling suspension. However, he received “a ton” of reps to this point to get him up to speed.
In fact, Lions coach Dan Campbell confirmed he’ll see the field quite a bit whenever he’s back out there in an official capacity.
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.
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.”
Nick Schultz contributed to this report
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