Cowboys' Sam Williams Suspended 3 Games by NFL; DE is Out for Season With Knee Injury

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams is already out for the season because of a torn ACL and MCL he suffered during training camp in July, but he reportedly wouldn't be allowed to play in the next three games even if he was healthy.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday the NFL suspended Williams three games for violating its personal conduct policy. He will serve the suspension while he is sidelined with the injury.

Archer also reported on the suspension and noted that Williams was arrested in Frisco, Texas, in August 2023 and charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Archer reported at the time of the arrest that police pulled the defensive end over driving 71 mph in a 45 mph zone and found marijuana and a gun in the car. The report also noted Williams was cited for misdemeanor reckless driving in December 2022 when police said he was driving approximately 100 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Despite the legal concerns, Williams played in all 17 games last season.

It was his second year in the league after Dallas selected him with a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

He posted a combined 8.5 sacks in his first two seasons and was expected to play a larger role in 2024 prior to his injury since the Cowboys did not re-sign Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler in free agency.

However, he will not be on the field until the 2025 campaign at the earliest given the setback.