If you’ve been following the Detroit Lions’ defensive line rotations lately, you may have noticed a curious trend — rookie defensive tackle Tyleik Williams isn’t seeing as much action as he did earlier in the season.

At the start of the year, the Lions’ first-round pick was logging over 30 snaps per game. However, in the past two weeks, his workload has dipped to fewer than 10 snaps per contest — a dramatic reduction for a highly touted newcomer.

Campbell Emphasizes Development Over Discipline

Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation directly during his Tuesday interview on 97.1 The Ticket. His response was calm, candid, and perfectly aligned with his coaching philosophy.

“Tyleik’s a young player who’s continuing to grow and improve,” Campbell said, via Pride of Detroit. “There’s a little inconsistency here and there, but that’s normal for rookies. You correct it, you move forward, and you keep getting better.”

There was no frustration in Campbell’s tone — just the usual focus on steady development and long-term progress. For Campbell, it’s not about punishment; it’s about helping Williams reach his potential.

A Loaded Defensive Front Creates Tough Competition

The Lions’ interior defensive line is stacked right now, which naturally limits opportunities for the rookie. With Alim McNeill healthy and performing well, D.J. Reader anchoring the middle, and Roy Lopez enjoying a breakout stretch, Williams is fighting for snaps against a trio of trusted veterans.

Campbell summed it up clearly:

“The challenge for him — which is a good problem for us — is that Mac’s playing really well, Reader’s playing really well, and Lopez is playing really well,” Campbell explained. “So, when you’ve got guys ahead of you producing, the next step is to raise your own level until you pass them.”

In short, Williams hasn’t been benched; he’s being pushed to elevate his play and earn a larger role.

What Comes Next for Williams

Williams has flashed his potential, starting six games and showing moments of real promise. But his production hasn’t quite caught up to the talent that made him a first-rounder.

Campbell’s message to him is clear and consistent: stay patient, stay focused, and keep improving. The coaching staff believes in his upside — they just want him to become steady enough to force his way back into a bigger role.