Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams suffered an injury in the second half of their game against the Minnesota Vikings. He had to be helped off the field with an apparent left knee injury.
Mike Williams Injury Update
Williams was helped off the field, appearing unable to put much weight on his left leg, and went to the blue tent. He is being evaluated for a knee injury and left on a cart.
Mike Williams had to be helped off the field and is headed to the blue tent. pic.twitter.com/UfiGG9IvuC
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 24, 2023
During the play, Williams went down after making a reception and grabbed his knee.
Williams was listed as questionable to return but never re-entered the game. Before going out, the wide receiver was having an efficient performance with seven receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown.
Following the Chargers’ win over the Vikings, Williams had a brace on his right leg as he rode a cart to the bus leaving U.S. Bank Stadium, as NFL Network reported.
A Monday MRI confirmed Los Angeles’ worst fear — Williams tore his ACL on Sunday and will miss the rest of the season, as NFLN’s Ian Rapoport indicated.
Source: #Chargers WR Mike Williams has torn his ACL and is out for the season, the MRI confirmed. pic.twitter.com/OHkErQdNW7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2023
With Williams sidelined, the Bolts will move forward with Keenan Allen, Joshua Palmer, and first-round rookie Quention Johnston as their starters in three-wide sets.
Williams, 28, was drafted by the Chargers seventh overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has put up 230 receiving yards in the L.A.’s first three games, but injuries have been a consistent issue throughout his career, and he has not played a full season since 2018.
The Clemson alum will be entering the final year of his contract in 2024. The Chargers could theoretically cut him next offseason and clear $20 million in salary cap space, but that transaction might not be feasible if Williams can’t pass a physical.
Fantasy Fallout From Williams’ Injury
Prior to his exit late in the third quarter, Williams was enjoying his best performance of the season with seven catches for 121 yards and a score against the Minnesota Vikings.
MORE: Tracking Every NFL Injury Week 3
If Williams is unable to return in this contest, Keenan Allen will continue to see a ton of work with potential expanded roles going to Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Gerald Everett, and Donald Parham Jr.
If Williams misses any extended time, Austin Ekeler should become the clear-cut second option in this passing game should he return in Week 4.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate