The Los Angeles Chargers were plagued by some of the NFL‘s worst injury luck in 2022, and it didn’t take long for health issues to set in this season.
Chargers wideout Mike Williams went down holding his head in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins. What’s the latest on Williams as Los Angeles’ game continues?
UPDATE (5:13 p.m. ET): Fortunately, Williams has returned for the second half of today’s game.
Mike Williams Injury Update
Williams jogged off the field under his own power and was examined in the medical tent. He then headed to the Chargers’ locker room with roughly four minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Los Angeles has since announced Williams is being evaluated for a head injury.
Mike Williams is being evaluated for a head injury.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 10, 2023
Williams had only caught one pass for three yards before departing.
Williams missed four games with injuries in 2022 but controversially played in the Chargers’ regular-season finale, which had become an almost meaningless contest by the time L.A. kicked off.
He suffered a fracture in his back near the end of the first quarter of that contest and was not able to suit up when the Chargers played the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card Round.
Williams ended last season with 63 receptions for 896 yards and four touchdowns in 13 appearances.
Who Could Replace Mike Williams for Fantasy Football?
– Analysis from PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe
Williams has missed time in four of his six NFL seasons and is at risk of doing so already in 2023. In fantasy football, injury results in opportunity, and rookie Quentin Johnston could well fill the Williams role in this high-flying offense.
The 21st overall pick boasts a similar frame as Williams and showcased a knack for the big play by averaging 18.9 yards per catch during his three seasons at TCU.
MORE: PFN’s NFL and Fantasy Player News Tracker
Josh Palmer would be in the mix for an extended run as well, just as he was in 2022 when Williams and Kennan Allen missed time.
If Williams has a short-term injury, Palmer profiles as the immediate fix. But if Williams is set to miss extended time, the Chargers could use his absence to develop their first-round pick into a risk/reward fantasy option in Kellen Moore’s pass-happy offense.
