Travis Benjamin

The Los Angeles Chargers are still hoping to avoid it, but first-round pick Mike Williams might need back surgery on his herniated disk that would end his rookie season, league sources tell ESPN.

Williams recently received a second epidural on his herniated disk in a last-ditch effort to have him ready at some time during training camp, though the Chargers are preparing as if he will not be ready by that time, per sources.

The team still is hoping that Williams will respond positively to the second epidural, but also knows there's a real chance he will not and his rookie year will be over before it begins.

Related players: Tyrell Williams, Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman

This is obviously devastating news for Williams, but there have been negative reports surrounding the back all offseason. This is a big boost for Tyrell Williams' stock, and he'll no longer be flying under the radar in early drafts. He had a terrific 2016 season, showed very well as a route-runner, and should still be able to produce with Keenan Allen back in the lineup.