On Thursday, the Detroit Lions waived rookie wide receiver Isaiah Williams in a move to clear a roster spot. Detroit may have been looking to bring him back on their practice squad if he cleared waivers, but they will not be able to. The Cincinnati Bengals claimed him off waivers, meaning he’s now part of their 53-man roster.
Williams was one of Detroit’s high-priority undrafted free agent signings this offseason. He was a highly productive receiver in his final two years at Illinois, combining for 164 catches, 1,770 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
In Detroit, he shined in the preseason as solid depth at the slot receiver position—although his route to actual playing time was always going to be tough behind both Amon-Ra St.