Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has backed receiver Jameson Williams amidst the ongoing confusion around the pass-catcher’s suspension.
On Monday night, news broke that the NFL had handed Williams a two-game suspension for a positive test for performance-enhancing substances.
But Tuesday came and went without any official statement from the NFL, despite ESPN, FOX and Sports Illustrated running with the initial news.
Campbell appeared on Tuesday’s edition of the Rich Eisen Show but did not specify the situation.
Campbell discussed Williams’ situation with the assembled media at Allen Park. Per the Lions leader, the NFL has not suspended Williams yet.
Williams is at Allen Park and participating in practice. Nonetheless, Campbell expects to be without the Alabama product for this Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. That would match the initial report of a two-game suspension causing Williams to miss games with the Titans and Green Bay Packers.
However, the Lions head coach did back Williams. Some fans and media members reacted negatively to the initial news, using it to cast more doubt on Williams’ character.
Detroit’s charismatic leader pushed back, saying:
“I trust this kid. I trust him. Unfortunately, you gotta pay for your sins. He’ll climb back up again.”
With Williams set to miss time, Campbell confirmed that veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson will see a more significant workload this week.