With Jamo Suspended, Who's The Next Man Up?

        Late on Monday night, Eric Woodward broke the news on twitter (it's not X) that Jameson Williams would (most likely) be suspended for the next two games for violating the NFL's Performance Enhancing Substances policy. Per the policy, a two-game suspension is a result of a positive test for a stimulant, diuretic, or masking agent for a first time offender. If the suspension is a six-game suspension, then it would likely be for an anabolic agent. 

        This couldn't have happened at a more inconvenient time in the season for the Lions. Coming off a huge divisional win against the Vikings, after losing the DPOY in Aidan Hutchinson to a season-ending injury in their game prior against the Cowboys, tragedy strikes again. Ok, I may be exaggerating a bit here, but still. Jameson Williams has put so much work in this off-season to solidify his spot as WR2 for the Lions, only to have his third straight season with off-the-field issues bite him in the butt. 

        As mentioned earlier, this suspension will likely take place for the next two games, which would include at home against the Tennessee Titans and on the road against divisional foe, the Green Bay Packers. The game on Sunday against the Titans will be a great opportunity for the Lions to test out a Jamo-less offense, in preparation for the Packers on November 3rd, and figure out how to keep their offensive freight-train rolling. 

        Currently, the Lions offense consists of Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot, Jameson Williams and Tim Patrick manning the X and Z wide-out positions. However, Kalif Raymond has seen a ton of action already, especially in last week's match-up where he catch a touchdown pass after torching veteran corner Stephon Gilmore. The Lions also signed former Jaguar Legend, Allen Robinson II, and rookie Isaiah Williams who had shown some glimpses of explosiveness in the preseason.

        So, what do the Lions plan on doing then? What is the smart/logical move for this Lions offense? Truthfully, there is only a handful of people who can answer that question and they're all currently getting ready for this Sunday's game. Let's take a look at what they could do though... Also no, the Lions are not trading for a receiver to fill in a two-week gap. Do you even know our GM?

Option #1 - ARob's Time to Shine!

        Former 2nd round pick, Detroit-native, Allen Bernard Robinson II, is looking to show the league that he's 31 years YOUNG and still has some gas in the tank. One potential option for this Lions offense would be to plug-and-play ARob for Jamo. This will definitely be one of the most likely options, as Dan Campbell has already talked about Robinson seeing an increased for this Sunday's game. The big drawback of this option is the obvious - Robinson has not been the same caliber of receiver that we became accustomed too during his time in Jacksonville. However, I want remind everyone that he's had three seasons where he racked up 1,000+ receiving yards. Only one of those seasons were in Jacksonville, the other two were in Chicago. 

Option #2 - Unconventional, All Hands On Deck

        Scenario numero dos happens if ARob doesn't get caught up to speed as fast as Dan Campbell would've hoped by now. Say he hasn't learned very much of the playbook or maybe Ben Johnson would prefer to run a whole different type of game plan. Option two would be a wide receiver by committee type of offense with Kalif, Robinson, and Isaiah Williams all working to fill the void of Jamo being suspended. This isn't a terrible idea truthfully. Kalif and Isaiah Williams are both smaller in stature, but quick and explosive with their route running. ARob is more similar to Patrick in that he's a taller, slightly slower, more physical receiver compared to Kalif and Isaiah. Those four receivers, paired with Amon Ra and LaPorta, could allow Ben Johnson to cause some havoc with concocting unique play types and route trees for that set of pass catchers. 

Option #3 - Elevated Practice Squad Players

        The final option would be to elevate some of the Lions current practice squad players. As of today, the Lions have two players on their practice squad - Tom Kennedy and Donovan Peoples-Jones. This is my least likely option as both of those players don't fix the issue at hand. DPJ has had his chance at being WR3 alongside Jamo, but a poor preseason showing resulted in the team moving on and signing veterans Tim Patrick and Allen Robinson II. Tom Kennedy on the other hand, has shown some glimpses of talent, but ultimately would be a better fit as a return specialist for the Lions, rather than their replacement for Jameson Williams. 

The Verdict Is...

        As of Thursday, October 24th, Jameson Williams has NOT been suspended, and according to sources, he may most likely play against the Titans. The Lions are working out Allen Robinson just in case, but we should know more by tomorrow. In my opinion, if he's going to be suspended at all - I'd rather that suspension start now, rather than next week when our two-game road trip includes Green Bay and Houston. Not ideal to be missing one of your most explosive playmakers. I'd also prefer the Lions to use a mix of an unconventional, all hands on deck approach, with increased action for ARob. He's got a great opportunity on Sunday to show the team that's he worthy of a spot on the roster, so why not let him have it?