Lions' 1st-round WR Jameson Williams to practice for first time since ACL tear

The Detroit Lions are about to get an offensive boost before the end of the season.

Rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams, who the Lions took 12th overall in the draft this year, will practice Monday for the first time this season, the team announced. Williams has been on the reserve/non-football injury list since before the season started after he suffered a torn ACL in the 2022 College Football Playoff title game for Alabama in January.

Practicing doesn't necessarily mean Williams will play this week, though. The Lions have a short turnaround before their Thanksgiving day match with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. Even more, Lions head coach Dan Campbell already said Williams likely wouldn't make his NFL debut until "probably after Thanksgiving sometime."

Regardless, this is a major development for Williams and the Lions.

Detroit is still technically in the playoff hunt after beating the New York Giants in Week 11 to improve to 4-6. The Lions' offense is rife with young skill position players, led by second-year standout receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown as well as a backfield with D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams.

Adding the rookie Williams to the bunch could give Detroit a lot more speed as a vertical threat. He caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns in 15 games at Alabama in 2021. Even more, 11 of those touchdowns were on plays of at least 30 yards. While the Lions might not see a whole lot of production this season, it will be good for Detroit to at least get to see their first-round selection on the field for his rookie year.