The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Tuesday that Mike Williams will miss the final two weeks of the offseason program with mild disc herniation in his lower back.
The wide receiver has not practiced with the team since rookie mini camp.
Although Head Coach Anthony Lynn mentioned a couple weeks ago that he felt like Williams was falling behind by not actively practicing, his focus on Tuesday shifted to the receiver's health.
"He's getting behind, but the most important thing is to get him healthy and get him back on the football field," Lynn said. "I know he can help us win football games down the road."
Lynn wouldn't comment on the possibility of placing Williams on the Physically Unable to Perform list prior to the start of training camp. However, he did say the wideout will use the off time to his advantage by rehabbing.
"I'm not sure where he's going to rehab, but I'm sure it's going to be somewhere close. He'll be in the neighborhood."
As the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Williams has been projected to come in and compete for a starting role on the offense to complement Keenan Allen.
Allen, who is a full participant coming off his ACL injury from last year, said the hardest part for Williams right now is missing out on the physical portion of the game. However, what he's lacking in on-field time he's making up for in the classroom.
"I think for the most part, he's missing getting settled in," Allen explained. "It's just understanding Philip (Rivers), understanding the offense and trying to get the confidence before training camp. Mentally, I feel like, he's going to be solid. He's been in every meeting, been taking notes (and getting) mental reps…. He needs to just take it day by day. Confidence will build as you make the play. Try not to make the mental mistakes and everything will be fine."
Allen knows what it's like to be sidelined by something out of your control. As such, he is doing what he can to mentor the rookie as he hopes to get back on the field by the end of July.
"When we're watching film, he sits right behind me. Anytime he asks a question, he pops it out. He doesn't have too many, but as far as learning, he can just see the mistakes on film and learn from them."
