COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Los Angeles Chargers rookie receiver Mike Williams' chances of playing at the start of the regular season took a hit with the news that he is unlikely to practice at all during training camp.
The Chargers announced at the start of training camp on Sunday that Williams was evaluated by team doctors and will continue to follow a plan put together by his own specialist, Dr. Robert Watkins.
"He will rehab and strengthen his back and is not expected to practice during training camp," the Chargers said in a prepared statement.
The Chargers placed Williams on the active/physically unable to perform list on Saturday as players reported to training camp.
Williams was diagnosed with a lower-back disk herniation that kept him out of offseason work after suffering the injury on the first day of rookie minicamp at Chargers Park in San Diego in May.
The Chargers had hoped Williams could make it on the field at some point during training camp so they can get him ready for the regular season.
The Chargers selected the big-bodied Williams No. 7 overall in this year's draft to give quarterback Philip Rivers another impact player to affect the game on third down and in the red zone.
Even though he's been unable to practice since suffering the injury early in offseason work, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said Williams remains in good spirits.
"The one thing I talked to him about is mentally, if you're out here and not practicing, it's going to be hard on you," Telesco said. "But he's young and I think he can handle it. He's said all the right things. We'll have a plan together as far as his rehab is concerned and he's got to stay on top of the details. This is his job now."