The Los Angeles Chargers made a bold decision to move on from several key weapons around franchise QB Justin Herbert in the offseason. While the Chargers opted to embrace a new-look offense, Los Angeles signed TE Will Dissly to a three-year, $14 million contract in free agency.
Dissly got off to a strong start with the Chargers in 2024, yet his stock took a hit after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 14. Let’s examine why Dissly is currently sidelined, his impressive season, and what it means moving forward in Los Angeles.
Why Isn’t Will Dissly Playing?
Due to the absence of rookie WR Ladd McConkey, Dissly was expected to play a much bigger role on Sunday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14. Yet after hauling in his second reception of the game in the first half, Dissly suffered a shoulder injury.
The 27-year-old TE hauled in a 15-yard reception on Los Angeles’ final play in the first half. While both teams entered their respective locker rooms for halftime, the Chargers revealed that Dissly suffered a shoulder injury on his second catch of the night.
While the Chargers initially announced that Dissly was questionable to return to action against the Chiefs, he remained out for the remainder of the game. Regardless of Dissly’s absence, Kansas City needed a game-winning field goal as time expired to defeat the Chargers in Week 14.
Los Angeles’ tough loss against Kansas City only became worse once the Chargers learned more about Dissly’s shoulder injury. According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, Dissly suffered a shoulder injury that is expected to sideline him for multiple weeks.
Although it’s worth noting that Schultz reported Dissly is unlikely to be placed on injured reserve, which is certainly promising. Dissly has quickly become one of Herbert’s favorite passing targets in Los Angeles.
Heading into Week 14, Dissly was second on the Chargers in receiving yards. Following his injury against the Chiefs, Dissly dropped to third behind McConkey and Joshua Palmer.
Dissly remains second on the Chargers in both targets (55) and receptions (43) in 2024. While McConkey has grown into the top receiver in Los Angeles, Dissly has already exceeded expectations for the Chargers as the team’s top tight end.
Following Dissly’s injury in Week 14, backup TE Stone Smartt stepped in adequately for the Chargers. Smartt hauled in three receptions on three targets for 54 yards, including a 24-yard gain.
With Dissly set to miss multiple weeks, Smartt could be worth adding in deeper fantasy football leagues. Especially if McConkey is unable to return in Week 15 and Herbert continues to search for reliable targets in Los Angeles.
