Suspended Lions WR's difficult summer continues

Williams, as well as three other teammates, were suspended in April for violating the NFL's gambling policy. Two of the others were immediately released from the team, while the other (wide receiver Stanley Berryhill) was waived in May.

As the biggest name in the group, Williams dodged a termination of employment in Detroit and Lions fans hope that he'll be back on the field for the second part of the regular season. Williams is projected to start alongside 2022 Pro Bowler Amon-Ra St. Brown and veteran Marvin Jones as quarterback Jared Goff's top wideouts.

Last year's 12th overall pick missed 11 games during his rookie campaign as he recovered from an ACL tear that he suffered during the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship game. Williams finished the season with just one reception for a 41-yard touchdown on nine targets across six games, while adding one rushing attempt for 40 yards.

Thomas signed with Detroit in early May after going undrafted in 2023 and could be on the bubble for a roster spot. The 23-year-old played five seasons at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, suiting up for 42 games and finishing with 107 total tackles, 28 passes defended and three interceptions. He ranked second in the CUSA in passes defended with 15 last year.

As for Williams, they negatives have far outweighed the positives so far in his young career.