ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions are built on homegrown talent, grit in the trenches, and trust. Those are the bedrocks of the culture created by Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes.

Well, their trust is about to be tested, in more ways than one.

It’s disappointing, but not debilitating. Jameson Williams is facing a two-game suspension for use of a banned performance-enhancing substance. It hasn’t been made official, but the Lions are preparing for it and facing questions about it, a needless distraction. It would be Williams’ second suspension in a year, along with his four-gamer for a gambling violation.

Unprofessional, immature, whatever. There are worse transgressions, sure, but Williams, 23, forfeited all benefits of the doubt. He had rebuilt trust with his performance and focus this season and became the big-play threat the Lions always envisioned. In addition to 17 catches for 361 yards (21.2 average) and three touchdowns, Williams has been a feisty blocker and engaging teammate.

My guess is, he still will be. This doesn’t have to derail anything as the 5-1 Lions prepare to host the 1-5 Titans this Sunday. Then comes a trip to Green Bay, another clash that could help determine the NFC North champion, and Williams is expected to miss both games. But perhaps he is showing some accountability. He’s apparently using his full allotted appeal time, which allowed him to practice Wednesday and Thursday, work he could’ve missed.

'I trust this kid'

On the sliding scale from furious to simply annoyed, I think the Lions lean toward annoyed. They have plenty of receiving options — Amon-Ra St. Brown, the underrated Kalif Raymond, newcomer Tim Patrick, tight end Sam LaPorta and others. Rookie Isaiah Williams and veteran Allen Robinson II also could get in the mix.

Williams might have made an innocent mistake, but it’s still not acceptable. He’s fortunate Campbell’s faith in a player doesn’t often waver, especially if the player has developed into a game-breaking threat.

“Here’s what I can tell you, I trust this kid,” Campbell said Wednesday. “Unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins, and if this (suspension) comes down, then so be it. But I know this, we dangled the rope down — we can’t wait for anybody — and over a year ago he started climbing his way up. Maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again. That rope’s still there, it’s tied to us, and he’ll be just fine.”

That approach makes Campbell an excellent leader, and also a willing gambler. The same qualities displayed by Holmes, who took a chance to trade up and draft the injured Williams out of Alabama, and then stood behind him after his gambling suspension.

There’s risk in it, unless you trust the player, and also your gut. It’s the instinct that will guide Holmes the next couple of weeks, as he mulls how bold to get before the Nov. 5 trade deadline. Williams’ absence was wholly avoidable, which is the disturbing part. But it’s also temporary, unlike the other major setback.

Aidan Hutchinson’s absence with a broken leg was a nasty twist of fate. It won’t be temporary, but it also doesn’t have to be devastating. The Lions beat the undefeated Vikings on the road in their first game without Hutchinson, and the 31-29 victory was the ideal outcome, in some ways.

What's the rush?

The Lions showed they can overcome plenty with Jared Goff and their offensive firepower. They also showed, with a limited pass rush against Sam Darnold, that reinforcements are needed.

The clamor for Raiders’ pass-rushing demon Maxx Crosby, who went to Eastern Michigan, is deafening. The price would be exorbitant, if he’s available. I’d surrender two first-round picks, knowing the Lions will draft late, but because Holmes doesn’t let me listen in on his calls, I have no idea if that would seal the deal.

This is where the trust really gets tested. Do Holmes and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn believe others can elevate now that three pass rushers — Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport and Derrick Barnes — are gone? Does he trust Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, James Houston and others to compensate? Practice squad player Isaac Ukwu and rookie Mekhi Wingo also could make an impact.

As legitimate Super Bowl favorites, the Lions can’t stand pat. And while he’s saying very little right now, Holmes isn’t necessarily a stand-pat kind of guy. He also isn’t reactionary or impetuous, one of the reasons Williams is still here.

But the Lions know the reigning champs are fortifying, with the Chiefs finalizing a deal for Titans veteran DeAndre Hopkins to fill a void at receiver. The Bills already added Amari Cooper. There will be plenty of movement by the deadline and the Lions almost assuredly will do something. The pressure will grow if other teams do more.

“No, we don’t feel swayed by that (Chiefs trade),” Campbell said. “Like I say, we are not going to be in a hurry. If it’s right, it’s right, and we’re going to do our homework, do our due diligence, and if it makes sense, it makes sense. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t.”

Crosby, 27, makes perfect sense, depending on the cost and availability. Browns veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith, 32, could be a viable stopgap. The Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson, 29, is intriguing but Cincinnati is still a contender. A guy on the opposite sideline Sunday, Titans linebacker Harold Landry, 28, could be a possibility.

The Lions are in position to be selective, but not too selective. An edge rusher is their biggest need but perhaps their only major need. Whatever happens with Williams’ suspension, he’ll be back. That’s why the Lions can sound mostly unbothered, for now.

So, how does Williams grab the rope and start climbing again?

“I think step one is what he’s doing right now,” Campbell said. “He’s here and he’s helping, and if he’s not able to go, then he’ll be helping on scout team, which is awesome. … I feel like he’s really endeared himself to the guys and he’s part of the group. I’m telling you, he’s matured so much. I understand it can be frustrating, and look, it’s frustrating for us. But ultimately, he’s taken huge strides and I think the team recognizes that, so I think he’s going to come back better than he was before.”

After the last time, Williams did indeed come back better, and rebuilt his trust equity. But his standing as a long-term foundational piece has to be questioned. Once again, the Lions are eager to see his response.

____

©2024 www.detroitnews.com. Visit at detroitnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.