The LA Chargers won a back-and-forth slugfest in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings behind historical performances from Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen. Mike Williams was also on his way to having a big game (still finishing with more than 100 receiving yards) until he suffered an injury in the second half.
Williams was awkwardly tackled and had to be helped off the field with a knee injury. After spending some time in the blue tent on the sideline, Williams was eventually carted into the locker room and did not return.
It is very early in the injury process for Williams and there are not going to be any concrete answers but it does not look good for the star receiver. Williams could not even get on the team bus under his own power as the team needed to use the cart to get him there.
Saw him get carted to the bus after the game. Brandon Staley said he had "no updates on Mike yet." https://t.co/uuwube0ECU
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 24, 2023
In addition to Williams needing the cart to get to the bus, fellow receiver Joshua Palmer posted on social media after the game and asked fans to "send Mike Dub only positive energy". Again, nothing is confirmed, but it appears as if Williams could miss serious time with a knee injury.
Chargers are better prepared to deal with a Mike Williams injury
One of the big issues for the Chargers last season was the lack of wide receiver depth and how it was tested all season. Both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen missed multiple weeks and the Chargers were throwing practice squad receivers out there for Justin Herbert.
If Williams is forced to miss several weeks then the Chargers are better prepared to withstand that blow. The addition of Quentin Johnston gives the Bolts a capable WR3 who can come in and play alongside Allen and Palmer. Derius Davis also presents a speedy weapon that Herbert can turn to in a time of need.
Additionally, there is a good chance that Jalen Guyton will be back for the Chargers after the Week 5 bye, giving the Bolts a wide receiver room that is five-deep with solid options. Obviously, the Chargers are better off with Williams in the mix but they can handle life without him for several weeks if need be.
It seems like a guarantee that Williams will miss Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders and will have the bye week in Week 5 to rest. In the best-case scenario, he won't have to miss much time after that. That is what Chargers fans should be hoping for.