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According to Rotoworld.com, the Chargers have ruled Mike Williams out for training camp.
This comes just after the news that Williams will not need back surgery, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke earlier this morning.
Per @Alex_Flanagan, #Chargers WR Mike Williams has done the rest for his slightly herniated disc. Now rehab. Not slated to practice in camp
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 30, 2017
Even with Williams avoiding surgery, missing training camp may spell an end to a productive 2017 season for Williams. He will be so far behind the eight ball that it will be hard to expect much in his rookie year.
Although Joey Bosa missed camp last season, he was still able to workout during his contract holdout. He did suffer an injury at one point, but he wasn’t rehabbing for a month before the season.
The good news is that surgery is off the table. Williams should be able to work his way through rehab and get back to 100 percent. There will be no rush for Williams to get back if the rest of the Chargers receivers can remain healthy. Even without Williams, the Bolts are four deep at receiver.
Here’s the excerpt from the Chargers statement on Williams:
We're moving Williams from "questionable for Week 1" to "doubtful for Week 1" in our injury outlooks. "Mike saw our doctors yesterday," the statement reads, "and he will continue to progress on Dr. Robert Watkins' plan. He will rehab and strengthen his back and is not expected to practice during training camp."
This is frustrating news to hear on the first day of training camp. The entire fan base is excited for the team to be back, but this news managed to put a damper on that feeling almost immediately.