Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams ruled out for Week 1

It’s not a big surprise, but Lions general manager Brad Holmes has ruled rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams out for Week 1.

Just about seven months exactly removed from his torn ACL in the national championship game right now, it was always unlikely Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams was going to suit up Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His placement on the NFI list to open training camp was not a surprise.

Coming off that injury, the move up to draft Williams was always a long-term play for Lions general manager Brad Holmes with no pressure on him to be an instant star as a rookie. Holmes recently told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (subscription required) as much.

We’re going to be very smart with him,” Holmes said. “He’s in a good place right now. It’s not going to be Week 1.’” (Coach) Dan (Campbell) and I felt we were in a position to acquire a player like this and don’t need him for Day 1. It’s a long-term thing.

When will Jameson Williams make his NFL debut?

On his visit to Lions’ training camp early last week, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Williams was likely to stay on the NFI list into the season and his debut could come “around November.”

Staying on the NFI list into the regular season, which appears to be a strong likelihood, would cost Williams at least the first four games and be in line with what’s been seen as his possible return timeline–nine months out from his injury.

The Lions have a bye in Week 6. So if he indeed stays on the NFI list it would make sense for them to hold Williams out through that, only one more game than the minimum four, with an eye on him making his debut against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7 on Oct. 23.

With a deep group of wide receivers, the Lions don’t need to and clearly won’t rush Williams into action. But his progress and any news about it will continue to be a top storyline until he takes the field.