Detroit rookie Jameson Williams' early return could reward fantasy owners

Fantasy owners who took a chance on Lions rookie receiver Jameson Williams might be rewarded with an early return.

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes told reporters Williams is "so gifted from a genetic standpoint, once he keeps that consistency going, it actually could accelerate that return that we’re thinking."

Williams, the 12th overall pick in April's draft, is working his way back from a torn left ACL suffered during Alabama's national championship loss in January.

While Holmes hasn't put a firm timetable on Williams' return to the field, the rookie will be forced to miss at least four games on the non-football injury list. NFL.com's Tom Pelissero reported in August that the Lions were targeting a midseason return for Williams. 

If that's the case, an accelerated timeline could make an October debut a possibility. The Lions have a Week 6 bye, but a return on Oct. 23 against Dallas or Oct. 30 against Miami might be in play if Williams is ahead of schedule.

Holmes said Williams is "chomping at the bit" to make his debut. 

"We got to be smart, because we didn’t make that move for him just for year No. 1," the GM said. "That’s a long-term investment."

The Lions moved up 20 picks in April to select Williams, who has been a popular later-round pick in fantasy drafts despite the injury.

Todd Gurley created a similar situation as a rookie in 2015, when the Rams held him out of action in September while he recovered from an ACL tear. Gurley rattled off four consecutive 125+ yard rushing games once he returned, rewarding fantasy owners who took a chance on him in the middle rounds. 

If Williams returns earlier than expected, he might be talented enough to be a immediate difference-maker.