Coach confirms Williams will miss Week 17

Chargers HC Brandon Staley confirmed Monday that WR Mike Williams will miss the Week 17 game against the Broncos. That's because Williams tested positive for COVID late last week and is unvaccinated. So he's forced to stay away from the team for at least 10 days. Jalen Guyton has yet to return from the COVID list but could see an elevated role if he makes it back in time. Josh Palmer also gains prominence with Williams out.

According to multiple reports, WR Mike Williams is on the verge of signing a 3-year, $60 million deal with the Chargers that will include $40 million in guarantees. This news comes ahead of today's 4 p.m. ET deadline for team's to apply franchise tags. Williams stays with an ascending QB in a strong offense and should remain a high-ceiling fantasy wideout.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Chargers are expected to use the franchise tag on WR Mike Williams. The deadline for teams to do so is 4 p.m. today, so we'll know Williams' status soon. We'd guess the 2 sides are working toward a longer-term deal, but the Chargers rank among league leaders in projected 2022 salary-cap space. So they have some flexibility here. For fantasy football draft purposes, expect Williams to remain a Charger.

Chargers WR Mike Williams has been activated from the COVID list, putting him on track to return for Sunday's game vs. the Broncos. Williams has scored as a WR3 since a hot start to the season and carries some extra risk this week in his first game back from COVID.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Chargers WR Mike Williams will miss at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID Saturday, meaning that he's unvaccinated. That'll knock Williams out for at least the team's Week 17 game as well. Josh Palmer should fill in vs. Houston. Jalen Guyton will likely be back in time for Week 17, though.

The Chargers have placed WR Mike Williams on the COVID list. It's his 2nd stint this year, but the 1st came as a close contact. He's out for Sunday's game against the Texans. With Jalen Guyton already on the COVID list, Josh Palmer should be the #2 WR alongside Keenan Allen. He carries intrigue from at least WR4 territory. We wouldn't be shocked to see him rank among the top 25 WRs by the end of the week.