Saints Cornerback PJ Williams Suspended 2 Games for Substance Abuse
By Karl Rasmussen
The New Orleans Saints will be without a key member of their secondary for the next couple of weeks.
Cornerback PJ Williams has reportedly been suspended two games by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Saints CB P.J. Williams - who has started 5 of 6 games in 2019 - has been suspended for the next two weeks of the season, per league source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 15, 2019
Williams has emerged as an impact player on the Saints' defense, starting in five of the team's six games thus far. On the year, Williams, who most frequently features as a nickel cornerback in the nickel formation, has logged two passes defensed, 18 tackles and a sack.
During his absence, the Saints will likely call upon Patrick Robinson or Ken Crawley to fill in.
Saints CB PJ Williams suspended 2 games for violating policy on substances of abuse
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) October 15, 2019
The Saints' pass defense has been solid thus far in the season, surrendering an average of 237.7 yards per game through the air, but the loss of Williams will put more pressure on the likes of Marshon Lattimore and the notably inconsistent Eli Apple.
Williams will first be eligible to return to the Saints after their Week 9 bye, meaning he'll miss their upcoming clashes with the Bears and Cardinals.
In his four-year career, Williams has appeared in 39 games, starting 20, and recorded three interceptions, 22 passes defensed, 125 tackles and two forced fumbles.