Chargers' WR Williams likely to be game decision vs. Bengals

Updated Sep. 7, 2020 6:13 p.m. ET

Associated Press

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Mike Williams is likely to be a game-time decision for the Los Angles Chargers' opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Coach Anthony Lynn said Williams participated in the team's walkthrough on Monday at SoFi Stadium but didn't elaborate on how much he did. The fourth-year wide receiver sprained his right shoulder during a scrimmage on Aug. 30 while trying to dive for a ball.

Williams led the league in 2019 in average yards per catch (20.4 yards) en route to his first 1,000-yard season. The 6-foot-4, 218-pound receiver also tied for the league lead with eight receptions over 40 yards.

The Chargers are lacking experience between Williams and Keenan Allen. Of the remaining four receivers that made the roster, only Jason Moore has a reception in a regular-season game. Jalen Guyton saw only 13 snaps on offense last season, while Joe Reed and KJ Hill are rookies.

Tyrod Taylor might need to lean on tight end Hunter Henry and running back Austin Ekeler, who had 93 receptions last year.

General manager Tom Telesco on Sunday admitted to the lack of experience at receiver but also said he has confidence they can produce.

“We do think there’s some talent, maybe young talent, but we feel like there’s some talent there,” he said.

Williams might not be the only offensive starter who could miss the opener. Center Mike Pouncey is questionable after missing last week due to an undisclosed injury. Lynn didn't have an update on Pouncey, who missed 11 games last year after having neck surgery.

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