L.A. Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams‘ rookie season in the NFL could possibly be over before it even begins.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, citing league sources, Williams may need surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back. The procedure would force him to miss the entirety of the 2017 season.
But another report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport states that season-ending surgery is less likely. According to his sources, Williams will be placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the season.
Surgery was on the table 3-4 weeks ago. 2 sources with direct knowledge say it is NOT on the table now. Williams is improving https://t.co/pEsvF0lwCN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 19, 2017
2017 Season Uncertain for L.A. Chargers Rookie Wide Receiver Mike Williams
The Chargers initially diagnosed Williams with a herniated disk just a day into rookie minicamp. He hasn’t practiced since, with the team hoping that the injury would improve with rest. Williams has also been treated with multiple epidurals over the course of the summer, with somewhat favorable results.
The news is just another blow to a Chargers offense which has dealt with its fair share of injuries to skill position players recently. Last year, both wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Danny Woodhead had their seasons cut short due to major injuries. Both tore their ACL, with Allen doing so in week one and Woodhead going down a week later.
The organization had high hopes for Williams, taking him with the seventh overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft. This after the Clemson product put together a memorable 2016 season in helping the Tigers win a national championship. Williams finished the season with 98 catches, 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns. It included eight grabs, 94 yards and a score in Clemson’s title clinching win over Alabama.
It’s unclear as to when Williams initially suffered the injury. Schefter reported sources saying it occurred either at the Combine or during his pro day. But he showed no signs of dealing with anything at the time. And it clearly didn’t affect his draft stock as he ended up going top ten.
Williams also dealt with a spinal injury in college. In Clemson’s 2015 season opener, Williams made a catch that resulted in a touchdown on the Tigers opening drive. But he violently collided with the goalpost in the process and suffered a broken neck that subsequently ended his season.
With Chargers training camp commencing in less than two weeks, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the team’s marquee selection in this year’s draft will be absent from proceedings. The underlying hope at this point is that surgery remains unnecessary and that he can return 100 percent at some point this season.
