The Chargers are paying a heavy price for their first win of the 2023 season.
Wide receiver Mike Williams suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in Sunday’s 28-24 win over the Vikings and will miss the rest of the season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Associated Press reports surgery has not been scheduled since the swelling needs to go down, but Williams should be ready for training camp next summer, Schefter reports.
The injury happened in the third quarter, with Williams getting twisted down after an 11-yard reception, per NFL.com.
Williams had to be carted to the locker room, ending what had been a fantastic afternoon, with the 28-year-old pulling down seven receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown, which came on a 49-yard pass from fellow receiver Keenan Allen.
With Williams sidelined, the Chargers are expected to lean on Quentin Johnston, the team’s first-round pick this year, and Josh Palmer to fill the void.
Replacing Williams, the No. 7 pick overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, won’t be easy.
He missed four games last season with an ankle injury but still finished the year with 895 receiving yards.
In 2021, Williams posted career bests in receptions (76), yards (1,146) and touchdowns (9).
Williams’ injury also means teams will be more likely to roll coverage over to Allen, who set career highs Sunday with 18 receptions and 205 yards.
The Chargers host the Raiders Sunday in their first game vs. an AFC West opponent this season.
The Raiders are coming off a disappointing 23-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on “Sunday Night Football.”
Making matters worse, head coach Josh McDaniels announced Monday quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is in concussion protocol.
