Mike Williams Lands on Chargers’ PUP List with Undisclosed Injury
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams has been officially placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list by the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of the 2025 NFL training camp, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The move raises questions about Williams’ health heading into the season, though initial reports suggest the injury is not long-term.
“A player can come off PUP at any point in training camp,” Schefter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s just a roster management tool at this time of year. As Jim Harbaugh would say, Mike Williams is working through something.”
A Rocky Stint in Pittsburgh
Williams’ return to the Chargers comes after a turbulent stint with the Steelers. He was traded to Pittsburgh by the New York Jets at the 2024 trade deadline but played only nine games, totaling 132 receiving yards and one touchdown on nine receptions.
In a subtle dig at his time in Pittsburgh, Williams recently referred to last season as his “worst year” in the NFL — a clear sign that the veteran wideout is looking forward to a fresh start.
Injury Woes Follow Ex-Steelers
Mike Williams isn’t the only former Steeler dealing with injuries this offseason. Running back Najee Harris recently suffered a minor eye injury due to a fireworks mishap, though team sources described it as “superficial.”
Both incidents highlight how offseason health concerns can cast early uncertainty over a player’s availability, even before preseason action begins.
What the PUP List Means for Mike Williams
Being placed on the PUP list doesn’t necessarily mean Mike Williams will miss the start of the 2025 season. Players can be activated at any point during training camp, as long as they haven’t participated in practice.
With a full offseason to recover and reestablish himself with the team that drafted him in 2017, Williams still has an opportunity to play a key role in the Chargers’ offense if healthy.
Final Thoughts
As the Chargers prepare for a new season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, all eyes will be on Mike Williams’ progress. If he can bounce back from his injury and overcome a disappointing 2024 campaign, the former first-round pick could still be a valuable asset in L.A.’s receiving corps.
Stay tuned for more updates on Mike Williams’ status, training camp developments, and all things Steelers and Chargers right here on SportsJone.com.
