Jun 9, 2022

  • Eric WoodyardESPN

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Although there was initial optimism that Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Jameson Williams might be available in time for training camp, caput coach Dan Campbell doesn't conceptualize that happening as Williams continues to heal from his ACL injury.

"I don't come across him existence ready for training camp. I don't see that," Campbell said. "I'thousand very hopeful, but I don't run across it. We're going to do this matter the right way and when he'due south ready, he'll be ready. But, no, I don't feel like you're going to see him out at that place Twenty-four hour period one."

The Lions are monitoring their No. 12 pick closely and don't want to blitz his progress.

Williams has been spotted effectually the practice facility for rookie and mandatory minicamps, but he has just watched from the sideline -- while keeping a football in his hands -- in anticipation of his render.

"We'll take a plan for him moving forward," Campbell said. "He's going to exist around here with united states of america and the brusque catamenia of fourth dimension, at which he does get home, we know where he'due south going to be and who those people are. So, we're going to take a plan for him."

Williams is expected to exist a big part of the team's future, which is why the forepart part traded up 20 spots to land him in the first round. The Alabama thespian tore his left ACL in Jan during the national title game, but Detroit has maintained religion in his ability.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff is amidst those in the organization that are highly anticipating his return while also trying to keep him engaged with the squad this offseason. As a immature player, Goff understands the value in staying involved.

"Very excited. He's a special talent and I just proceed [proverb] like 'get him back, get him dorsum,'" Goff said. "And, I know they're going to make sure he's every bit healthy as possible, but selfishly, I want him back as shortly as possible, but he's staying engaged. He's got the script in his manus, he'southward seeing the plays, he's doing a good job. Plainly, he's a nifty talent, but a corking function of our team so far also and I expect him to grow into his role nicely."

As Goff watched Detroit move up to country him, he called the move a "great" ane. Goff also admitted to watching his highlight tape on draft night and said his ability to make people miss is what jumps off the screen and his speed.

"I just think doing my best to keep him involved and make sure he feels similar he's a role of what we're doing," Goff said. "And I'thousand not the only one, coaches are doing that and trainers and everybody, but I think that's what happens sometimes when these guys have these long rehabs and yous can feel like y'all're non quite a function of it and I've had long rehabs in the offseason. So, just making sure he feels love and a part of what nosotros're doing and is going to be a large part of what nosotros're doing obviously, hopefully sooner than subsequently."