With the return of Alim McNeill and the emergence of veteran Roy Lopez in the middle of Detroit’s defensive line, rookie first-round pick Tyleik Williams has seen his playing time decrease recently.
After averaging around 31 snaps per game the first six weeks of the season, Williams played 22 against Tampa Bay Week 7, 11 vs. Minnesota Week 9 and a season-low eight snaps Sunday in Washington.
“I think he understood what he was getting himself into when he was drafted and what it would look like when Alim (McNeill) came back,” defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said Thursday. “So, I don’t think he’s surprised by any stretch. We’re completely transparent here. It’s no knock against him.”
Williams has six tackles (two solo), one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit on the season. Sheppard said the Lions aren’t down on Williams’ play, they just have a very deep defensive tackle group. Sheppard does want to get Williams more involved moving forward.
“I would like to see Tyleik play more with what he was doing early in the year,” Sheppard said. “It’s a lot of growth with him and he knows where I need him to continue to grow and strive. But he should be playing more than eight to 10 snaps, and we’ll make sure that happens.”