Fantasy owners who had a chance to get their hands on the Lions’ rookie Jameson Williams player could be rewarded with a return soon.
Detroit General Manager, Brad Holmes told reporters Williams “is very gifted from a genetics standpoint, once he keeps that consistency it can really speed up again that we were thinking.”
Williams, 12th overall pick in the April draft, is trying to bounce back after the left torn ACL suffered during Alabama’s national championship loss in January.
While Holmes has not given a firm timetable on Williams’ return to the pitch, this rookie will be forced to miss at least four games on the non-injury list. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero report in August that the Lions are targeting a mid-season return for Williams.
If that’s the case, an accelerated timeline could make an October launch possible. The Lions have a bye Week 6, but return on October 23 against Dallas or October 30. with Miami is likely to take place if Williams goes ahead of schedule.
Holmes said Williams is “trying a little hard” to make his debut.
“We have to be smart, because we don’t make that move for him just in year 1,” GM said. “It’s a long-term investment.”
The Lions picked 20 picks in April to pick Williams, who became a popular later-round pick in fantasy drafts despite injury.
Todd Gurley created a similar situation as a rookie in 2015, when the Rams banned him from playing in September while he recovered from an ACL tear. Gurley finished four games in a row over 125 yards after his return, rewarding imaginary owners who gave him a chance in the mid-session.
If Williams returns earlier than expected, he could be talented enough to be an instant difference-maker.
