Chargers WR Mike Williams will miss multiple weeks with fracture in back
The Los Angeles Chargers will have to get past the Jacksonville Jaguars without wide receiver Mike Williams.
The team announced on Friday that Williams will remain in Los Angeles to have further treatment for the back injury he suffered in Week 18 against the Denver Broncos. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero later reported that further testing revealed a fracture in Williams' back that will sideline him for multiple weeks.
Monday, coach Brandon Staley said in his weekly news conference that Williams would practice at least once, with the expectation that he would play on Saturday. After three consecutive missed practices from the receiver, Staley said Thursday that rest was more important than practice reps and that Williams would be questionable.
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Less than 24 hours later, Williams has been ruled out. He had 63 catches for 895 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Without Williams, the Chargers will turn to Josh Palmer, who has 72 catches for 769 yards and three TDs this season, to start opposite Keenan Allen.
The team also announced that it elevated running back Larry Rountree III and defensive tackle David Moa from the practice squad for Saturday's game.