Chargers hopeful 1st-rounder Williams won't require back surgery

Just one week after a report suggested Mike Williams' rookie season was in jeopardy, there seems to be some hope for a much shorter sideline stint.

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco shared some optimism Thursday that his first-round receiver will be able to avoid surgery on his injured back.

"He's been responding well," Telesco said, according to Eric D. Williams of ESPN. "The path, right now, is rehab and strengthening. That's good news, obviously."

Williams is reportedly still expected to start training camp on the physically unable to perform list, but that's a designation that can be removed whenever he's cleared to practice.

Telesco's additional comments suggest there's a chance the former Clemson standout can work his way back onto the field toward the latter portion of the summer practice schedule.

"He'll see our doctors this weekend and will get more of a timetable of where he is," he added. "I think he's more trending towards not working early in camp, which is not a surprise. But we'll kind of take it from there."

Williams being available this season, working alongside a now-healthy Keenan Allen, would be a massive boost to the Chargers' passing game. Helping lead the way to a national title in his final season at the college level, the 22-year-old recorded 98 receptions for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns in 15 games.