Jameson Williams injury: Detroit Lions make decision on former Alabama star's status for start of 2022 season

Jameson Williams was picked No. 12 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2022 NFL Draft despite having suffered a torn ACL in the national championship game.

He’ll be counted on to be a big part of the team’s offense moving forward, but for now, the Lions are taking a cautious approach with the speedy former Alabama receiver.

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions are moving Williams to the Reserve/NFI list to start the 2022 season:

The #Lions are moving rookie WR Jameson Williams to the Reserve/NFI list today, per source.

This was always the plan for Williams, the first-round pick who suffered a torn ACL in January’s national championship game. The hope is he’ll be ready to play around midseason.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 23, 2022

The Lions confirmed the report shortly thereafter:

#Lions announce roster moves:

Released LB Shaun Dion Hamilton

Placed FB Jason Cabinda, DL Romeo Okwara & DL Josh Paschal on Reserve/PUP

Placed WR Jameson Williams on Reserve/NFI

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 23, 2022

There’s no denying Williams’ potential in the NFL, especially after he posted 79 catches for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns for Alabama in 2021.

For now, though, the speedy receiver will be sidelined until he’s fully healthy as the Lions prepare for the start of the 2022 campaign.