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Chargers rookie WR Mike Williams reportedly might make debut in October

Chargers rookie receiver Mike Williams could make his NFL debut in October. (AP)
Chargers rookie receiver Mike Williams could make his NFL debut in October. (AP)

Los Angeles Chargers rookie receiver Mike Williams hasn’t undergone back surgery, and apparently is feeling better. Maybe the seventh pick of the draft can salvage some of his rookie season after all.

Initial reports said Williams, who has a herniated disc, could miss the season. But on Monday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said Williams is progressing and the Chargers plan on him making his NFL debut in October. Rapoport cited several sources with “direct knowledge of the situation.”

A lot can change between now and October. Williams is only sprinting now, and perhaps his back won’t respond as well to other football activities. Anytime a player decides to skip surgery and heal an injury with rest and rehabilitation, there’s going to be a risk of a setback. Even if the Chargers believe now that Williams will play in October, those plans have to be tenuous.

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But it is good news for Williams, who is a great prospect out of Clemson. The Chargers, who have already lost rookie guard Forrest Lamp to an ACL injury and starting linebacker Denzel Perryman for an expected four-to-six weeks with an ankle injury (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter), could use some positive injury news. Even if the best-case scenario happens and Williams plays in October, it won’t be easy for him to make a big impact after missing so much time, but he could be a solid contributor late in the season.

There are still a few obstacles, but at least the news on Williams is better now than it was last month.

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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!