Mike Williams Placed on PUP List by Chargers Due to Back Injury

The Los Angeles Chargers announced Saturday that they placed rookie wide receiver Mike Williams on the physically unable to perform list because of a back injury.           

Williams is eligible to be activated at any point prior to final roster cuts at the conclusion of the preseason.

There have been conflicting reports regarding Williams' status and whether he may need to undergo surgery.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported July 19 there is hope within the organization that he will not require surgery on a herniated disk, but it remains a possibility.

That same day, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Chargers had been considering surgery, but it was no longer on the table with Williams improving.

This week, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco offered some encouraging news regarding the rookie wideout, per ESPN.com's Eric D. Williams: "He's been responding well. The path, right now, is rehab and strengthening. That's good news, obviously."

In April, the Bolts selected Williams with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft out of Clemson.

Williams was Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson's favorite target last season, and he produced to the tune of 98 receptions for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Los Angeles drafted Williams in hopes that he would become an ideal complement to fellow starting wide receiver Keenan Allen.

With Williams on the shelf, Allen and Travis Benjamin will serve as the team's top two receivers with Tyrell Williams and Dontrelle Inman providing quality depth.