Those who watched the Los Angeles Chargers practice on Thursday witnessed a scare involving Josh Palmer — the same wide receiver who’s attempting at playing a full season for the first time in his three-year career.
Josh Palmer Walked Out ‘Gingerly’ With Injury
During a 7-on-7 drill at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, one fan captured Palmer down on the field, slowly getting back up.
Josh Palmer…! 😩😩 pic.twitter.com/i6rG48ZDdO
— Karen 👑⚡️ △⃒⃘ (@karenluvssports) August 10, 2023
Then, Fernando Ramirez of The Sporting Tribune noticed Palmer walking “gingerly” over to the team bus … forcing him to miss the rest of practice.
#Chargers WR Josh Palmer left practice early. He was walking gingerly toward the bus.
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) August 10, 2023
Chargers insider Daniel Popper of The Athletic added how Palmer went straight into the medical tent after that sequence and ultimately didn’t return.
Before that situation, this was the sight Charger fans were treated to pre-injury: Justin Herbert connecting with Palmer in the end zone:
we could watch this all day pic.twitter.com/YSLBz9HAZB
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 10, 2023
But now, the Bolts received a new injury scare from a player who endured a concussion in October of last season and ended up being limited to 11 starts.
What Was the Injury? Brandon Staley Provides Update
Speaking with reporters following Thursday’s session ahead of the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, Staley shared that he didn’t know the exact diagnosis of Palmer’s injury.
He added how he and the team plan to “learn a little bit more” later today about what Palmer injured. Per Alex Insdorf of USA Today, Staley says Palmer hurt himself falling in the end zone after his touchdown grab during the group session.
Early signs and reports indicate it’s a lower body ailment Palmer endured.
Palmer Mentioned How He Developed ‘New Appreciation’ After Missing Action in the Spring
Palmer had been putting together a strong camp showing in Orange County. And that includes hauling in this one-hander during the Aug. 1 camp practice. Or, as the Chargers called it, the “one-palmer.”
one-hander??? more like one-palmer pic.twitter.com/3smoLoLUNa
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 1, 2023
Palmer was pulling off those plays after missing action during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp in the spring. On Saturday, he shared with the media how he sees the game with a new perspective.
“I have a new appreciation for the game,” Palmer said to reporters. “You know, I hate missing. But now, I look at football through a different lens because I wasn’t able to do it for a while. So, I don’t take it for granted.”
He added how at the time, he felt “100 percent” healthy.
His head coach even believed following the Aug. 1 practice that Palmer was on his way to “elite” status with the Chargers and improved in one critical area the Bolts hoped to see.
“We feel like Josh is an elite player,” Staley said. “Our entire coaching staff will tell you the same. Through two years, he’s done a lot for us. Last year, over 70 catches. He’s a very complete receiver. You can line him up anywhere. He’s outstanding in the release game. He’s very strong. I think where he’s improved is his trust game with Justin.”
But now, Palmer has a new setback with Chargers camp soon coming to a close.