The Los Angeles Chargers are planning for rookie wide receiver Mike Williams to make his NFL debut in October, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Sources: #Chargers eye an October debut for first-round pick WR Mike Williams as he returns from a herniated disc: https://t.co/q0XCmxRM2Z
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 14, 2017
Williams, the seventh overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, is dealing with a back injury. Initial reports indicated that he could miss the entire season (more on that here), so an October return is welcome.
The report further states that the Chargers want Williams to practice in September, but Los Angeles is being cautious. No decision has been made as to whether he will start the year on the PUP list.
Of course, there’s no perfect way to handle something like this. Williams could always re-injure his back, making the situation worse and prompting surgery. He could also come back in the first week of October and be fine for the rest of his career.
Assuming things go according to plan, the Chargers could be pretty fun to watch once Williams comes back. He was an electrifying player at Clemson and made big plays in big moments, including the National Championship Game. Health pending, Williams will be a big part of Los Angeles’ future.