"Big jump" coming for Palmer?

The Athletic's Daniel Popper expects a "big jump" from Chargers WR Josh Palmer this season. He's coming off a 33-353-4 line as a rookie last year, with 3 of those 4 scores coming over the final 5 games. "On top of solid hands and sharp route-running, Palmer has an outstanding work ethic," Popper writes. "He is regularly the last player on the practice field. He throws with [QB Justin] Herbert after practice more than any other receiver on the roster." Palmer is the favorite for #3 WR duties in Los Angeles this year -- although he'll probably need a Keenan Allen or Mike Williams injury to find reliable weekly fantasy production.

Chargers WR Josh Palmer has cleared concussion protocol and will play vs. the Chiefs this weekend. He's the best bet for targets in the Keenan Allen-less WR corps, but Palmer still isn't an exciting fantasy play with QB Easton Stick under center.

Chargers WR Josh Palmer (knee) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice and was activated to the 53-man roster. He's set to play vs. the Raiders on Thursday night for the first time since Week 8. Palmer figures to slide back in as Los Angeles' No. 2 WR but isn't a very attractive fantasy option with QB Easton Stick. Palmer would at least be a WR4 consideration if WR Keenan Allen's heel injury keeps him out on Thursday night.

Chargers WR Josh Palmer (knee) is out for Sunday’s game vs. the Broncos. He returned to practice this week but isn’t quite ready for game action. We’ll see if Palmer can make it back for Thursday night’s game vs. the Raiders. Quentin Johnston and Jalen Guyton will again serve as Los Angeles’ No. 2 and 3 WRs this weekend.

The Chargers are designating WR Joshua Palmer to return from IR, opening his 21-day practice window. HC Brandon Staley just last week described Palmer's situation by saying "there's still a possibility" that he'd return from IR, according to The Athletic's Daniel Popper. That suggests we can't assume Palmer will be ready to return from his knee injury and play in Week 14. And it'll be tough to throw him into fantasy lineups right away, unless we get word from Chargers coaches that he's all the way back. Still, we have mentioned Palmer in our waiver wire article each of the past two weeks on this chance of return. If he does make it back to full participation, we'd bet on Palmer re-emerging as the No. 2 wideout in an offense that needs him. Stash Palmer early if you can ... if that makes sense for your roster, of course.

Chargers WR Josh Palmer will miss at least four total games (three more) with his knee injury. But HC Brandon Staley hinted Wednesday that Palmer might miss more time. "He'll be out for the four weeks for sure and then we'll just see from there," Staley said. Asked if he's expecting Palmer back this season, Staley replied, "no expectations." We still don't have any details on the type or severity of Palmer's knee injury. We'll keep an eye out for that info, but Palmer is not a must-stash on fantasy benches. His absence will continue to provide a big opportunity for WR Quentin Johnston. He predictably struggled against a tough Jets secondary last week but ran a route on a season-high 95% of pass plays.