Mike WilliamsGregory Bull/Associated Press
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Mike Williams with their seventh overall pick for two obvious reasons: to give aging quarterback Philip Rivers another valuable weapon and to add vitally needed depth after being overwhelmed by wide receiver injuries.
So of course Williams then blended into his new surroundings the only way that seems appropriate for a Chargers receiver. He injured his back on the first day of rookie minicamp and missed the rest of the offseason program.
Every snap is critical in a rookie's development, even the ones taken in shorts without any pads. Williams took mental reps throughout OTAs and put in his studying time during film sessions. But there's no replacement for on-field work while getting the feel for a new offense.
"At some point, you've got to understand the concept of what you're doing and why you're doing it," Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt told ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams when discussing the continued absence of the Chargers' first-round pick. "That's it. That's really the key for these young guys. Sometimes it takes them a little bit longer. Sometimes it's even a confidence thing."
Williams isn't dealing with a short-term issue, either. Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported in early June that a mild disk herniation will keep him out until training camp "at the earliest."
If Williams' time on the sideline extends deeper into August, it'll become increasingly difficult to see him making a major contribution until late in his rookie year. That's not what the Chargers signed up for.
They needed him to be insurance alongside the oft-injured Keenan Allen, who's healthy now but has missed 23 games over the past two seasons due an ACL tear and kidney issue. Now the Chargers might be going forward without that safety net.
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