Lions' Jameson Williams to return next week after NFL modifies gambling policy

Allen Park — Jameson Williams is back. For real this time.

The Detroit Lions wide receiver will be reinstated on Monday — two weeks before his suspension for violating the league's gambling policy was set to expire — after the NFL and its players union agreed on terms to modify the policy. He is permitted to play in the team's Week 5 contest against the Carolina Panthers on Oct. 8.

Williams was one of a handful of Lions players who were suspended by the league this offseason for violating the gambling policy. Some, like wide receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore, received indefinite bans for placing wagers on NFL games. The updated policy carries clearer, harsher penalties for players who place those types of wagers.

Any player who bets on the NFL will continue to be suspended indefinitely for at least one year, while players who wager on their own teams will get a minimum two-year penalty. Any player found to be trying to fix any aspect of a game will receive a lifetime ban.

Williams' punishment was the result of placing a non-NFL wager while at a team venue — which includes the practice facility, any of the league's stadiums, or even the team plane or hotel while traveling. The league has significantly reduced the initial penalty for this type of violation, with the first infraction carrying a two-game suspension, a second offense netting six games and a third occurrence drawing a minimum of one year.

Williams missed Detroit's first four games this season while serving his suspension. He was barred from the team's facility until last week, when he was allowed to rejoin for limited activities, including team meetings, rehab and treatment, and individual strength and training sessions. He had not been permitted to attend or participate in practice since rejoining the team.

A first-round pick out of Alabama a year ago, Williams missed most of his rookie season while rehabbing from a torn ACL he suffered in the College Football Playoff championship game. In six games with the Lions in 2022, he caught just one of nine targets for a 41-yard touchdown and added a 40-yard run on an end-around.

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter/X: @Justin_Rogers