T
he season has not started and already, the Los Angeles Chargers are dealing with some serious injury issues. The team announced on July 14 that they were placing five players on the physically unable to perform list ahead of training camp– including wide receiver Mike Williams. Re-joining the Chargers in the offseason, Williams being unavailable at the start of camp is a massive blow for a team eager to improve their scoring offense from a season ago.
The nature of Williams’ injury is unknown, but he is now the second big name addition to deal with an injury near the start of camp. Running back Najee Harris injured his eye in a fireworks incident on the Fourth of July but will be ready to go for the start of camp.
Williams’ Return to the Chargers
Drafted seventh overall in the 2017 draft, Williams began his career with the Chargers and was the franchise’s first draft pick after returning to Los Angeles. Playing for the team from 2017-23, Williams reached the 1,000 yard mark in both 2019 and 2021, but injuries and inconsistencies limited his production in other seasons. In the final season of his first stint with the team in 2023, Williams played in only three games after tearing his ACL in week three– catching 19 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown.
After the team released him that following offseason, he signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets— providing another weapon for veteran superstar, Aaron Rodgers. But after struggling to find his footing with the Jets, at one point getting criticized by Rodgers for running the wrong route in a week six loss, Williams was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers where he spent the rest of the season. For the season between the two teams, he finished with 21 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown.
Other Chargers Players on the PUP
Along with Williams, the Chargers also placed wide receiver Jaylen Johnson, defensive back Elijah Molden, linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips and offensive tackle Savion Washington on the PUP list. But for all Chargers fans out there, there is no need to worry. As long as a player is activated before final roster cuts, they can come back at any time without missing any games. But if Williams’ injury ends up being more serious and he is unable to participate in any of training camp, then he will need to miss at least the first four games.
Finishing the 2024 season at 11-6 and returning to the playoffs after a one year absence, the Chargers offense improved greatly in 2024– with quarterback Justin Herbert finishing with the best touchdown to interception ratio of his career. By bringing back Williams, the expectation is that he will take advantage of the chemistry he has with Herbert and add another spark to Jim Harbaugh’s offense.
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