Chargers 1st-rounder Williams expected to miss training camp

Los Angeles Chargers first-round pick Mike Williams is expected to miss all of training camp to rehab and strengthen his injured back, the team announced Sunday via ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The receiver was placed on the physically unable to perform list Saturday and could reportedly require season-ending surgery, though the team is hopeful he can recover via rehab. Williams has received two epidurals this offseason to help deal with the pain.

The 22-year-old was the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft and was expected to give the Chargers major red-zone help in the passing game. Having missed all of OTAs after suffering a herniated disk on the first day of minicamp, an extended training camp absence will undoubtedly impact how much Williams plays as a rookie once he's healthy enough to get on the field.

The Chargers also had first-rounder Joey Bosa miss most of training camp due to a contract holdout last year, but he got up to speed fast enough to eventually win Defensive Rookie of the Year.