This is not the first time.

In 2014, Tyrell Williams played through a torn right labrum during his senior year at Western Oregon. He underwent offseason surgery. Come May, the Chargers signed the undrafted rookie wide receiver to a three-year deal, and he steadily developed to earn an opportunity first on special teams and then, by season’s end, offense.

Williams has played through a right shoulder injury before.

He may need to again.


To what degree the second-year pro will be limited these final five games will be wait-and-see. This week, his status is worth monitoring. Players have a Tuesday off-day before returning to practice Wednesday leading up to Sunday’s home game against the Buccaneers.

Labrum issues can be tricky. Not all are alike.

Wide receiver Malcom Floyd finished out last season despite one, although it clearly limited his catch radius when tracking down deep passes. Williams is a different receiver, doing much of his damage in short to intermediate routes while displaying the explosiveness to turn a short crossing route into a long gain.

The full scope of his labrum damage is not known.


Coach Mike McCoy expressed optimism Monday about his status moving forward. Williams, 24, exited in the fourth quarter Sunday against the Texans. He landed on the shoulder following an incompletion, finishing the day with a team-high eight catches for 70 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown.

Williams paces the Chargers this season with 51 catches for 790 yards and five scores.

“He’s good,” McCoy said in a Monday press conference. “He’s a little sore, a little sore when he came down on it.”

michael.gehlken@sduniontribune.com


Twitter: @SDUTgehlken