Chargers rookie Williams starts camp on PUP list
COSTA MESA » The Los Angeles Chargers placed rookie receiver Mike Williams on the physically unable to perform list with a back injury Saturday.
The Chargers are still optimistic that the seventh overall pick can avoid major surgery. The Clemson product herniated a disk in his lower back during the first day of the Chargers’ offseason program.
Earlier this week, general manager Tom Telesco said Williams expects to know more about his short-term prognosis after meeting with the Chargers’ team doctors this weekend.
“He’s been responding well” to treatment, Telesco said. “The path right now is rehab and strengthening. That’s good news, obviously.”
Williams recently had a second epidural shot to aid his recovery. Los Angeles wants to get Williams on the field at some point during training camp to prepare for his first season, but the club is unwilling to risk the longterm health of its new playmaker.
Telesco and new coach Anthony Lynn feel Williams is up to speed in the Chargers’ offense, but they expect the rookie to be attentive during his time on the sideline in camp.
“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. “He’s young, and I think he can handle it. He has said all the right things.”
Los Angeles holds its first full practice of training camp Sunday in Costa Mesa, Calif., the Orange County city that will be their home throughout their relocation season.
Raiders Pro Bowler Penn absent
NAPA » On Oakland’s opening day of training camp practice, there was more focus on who wasn’t on the field than who was playing for the Raiders.
Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn was a camp holdout Saturday because of a contract dispute and five other players, including firstround pick Gareon Conley, were placed on injured lists and aren’t able to practice.
Coach Jack Del Rio said he found out Friday morning that Penn wouldn’t be reporting to camp as he hopes to get an improved contract.
Penn is entering the final year of an $11.9 million, two-year contract. He is scheduled to earn $5.8 million in base salary this season with another $1.3 million in incentives and bonuses.
Falcons’ Fuller to miss season
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA. » Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Fuller will miss the season with a knee injury, marking the second straight year he’s has had a season-ending injury before playing a game.
Fuller, a seventh-round pick from UCLA in 2016, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Friday’s practice. Coach Dan Quinn said Saturday Fuller will need season-ending injury after the non-contact injury.