Jan 8, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) is carted off the field in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos
Mike Williams (back) was not seen at the start of Wednesday’s practice. While he could show up later in the day, this looks like a DNP, and a terrible sign for his status on Saturday vs. the Jaguars.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley said earlier in the week Williams is dealing with a contusion in his back but testing found no fractures or muscle injuries. The second-year head coach inexplicably played his starters in a meaningless Week 18 games vs. the Broncos, and now the team is once again shorthanded.
“There’s only 48 guys that you can choose from and these aren’t easy decisions,” Staley said. “Hindsight is perfect for everybody on the outside, but these games are not easy to manage. They’re not, because you don’t have that many players. We did it to the best of our ability.”
Williams had to reportedly be helped to the team’s bus after the game. The 28-year-old has been productive when healthy but has been hampered by an ankle sprain that held him to just 13 games this year.
Joey Bosa also left the Chargers’ Week 18 game against the Broncos with an unspecified injury. CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin believes Bosa may have aggravated the groin injury that required surgery this season. His status has not yet been updated.
It’s unclear if either will be available for the Chargers on Wild Card Round, but this isn’t a promising start to the week.
