Chargers downgrade Williams to out

The Chargers have downgraded WR Mike Williams from questionable to out for Saturday night's game against the Jaguars, because of the back injury he suffered in Week 18 against the Broncos. That boosts the outlook for Chargers WRs Josh Palmer and DeAndre Carter, who have each moved up our WR rankings for the week. HC Brandon Staley has taken a lot of flak this week for the way he handled starters in a game his team didn't need. But he at least did coaches everywhere a service by clearly reminding everyone why you rest key players in those situations. We'll see about Williams' status for Round 2, if the Chargers advance.

The Jets are signing WR Mike Williams to a one-year deal worth "up to" $15 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. It's a desperately needed addition for the Jets, who were trotting out guys like Allen Lazard, Xavier Gipson, and Randall Cobb behind Garrett Wilson last year. Williams is coming off a late-September ACL tear but should be ready in plenty of time for the start of the 2024 campaign. He racked up 19 catches and 249 yards in just three games last year and averaged over 68 yards per game in both 2021 and 2022. The 29-year-old should still have plenty of gas left in the tank -- especially as New York's No. 2 WR. Williams should find enough volume even behind Wilson to have a shot at WR3-level fantasy production. And his arrival is excellent news for QB Aaron Rodgers, who's also seen his team bolster its offensive line this offseason.

The Chargers are releasing WR Mike Williams, according to multiple reports. It makes sense. Dumping Williams saves the team $20 million against the 2024 salary cap, which they sat about $25 million over before this move. It doesn't help Williams that he's coming off a September ACL tear. That could delay his signing with a new team -- or perhaps lead the 29-year-old to take a one-year "prove it" deal somewhere. We'll be watching the next step for Williams, who has scored on 10% of his career receptions and regularly ranked among league leaders in end-zone targets. The Chargers now sport Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer, and Quentin Johnston as their top three WRs, in an offense that figures to run the ball quite a bit more than it has since 2013. Those Chargers ran on 45.8% of offensive plays. The 10 versions since have reached 40% in run rate just twice and never exceeded 42.2%. Check our WR rankings for updates on Williams and the rest of the affected wideouts.

Chargers WR Mike Williams underwent successful surgery on Wednesday (October 25) to repair his torn ACL, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Williams is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, which will be about nine months post-surgery. His contract currently carries a $32.5 million cap hit in 2024, so the Chargers will surely be looking to restructure. Williams turned 29 earlier this month.

Chargers WR Mike Williams has been diagnosed with a torn left ACL and will miss the rest of the 2023 season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The timing of the injury at least gives Williams a good chance to be ready for the start of the 2024 campaign. He turns 29 in about a week and is officially signed with the Chargers for next season. But his contract currently carries a $32.5 million cap hit. Williams will need to restructure that deal to remain with the team. His absence for the rest of this season leaves behind big opportunity. Williams averaged 8.7 targets on a 21.3% share through three games. WR Josh Palmer is the better immediate bet for production with Williams out. But first-round rookie WR Quentin Johnston is the higher-upside longer-term bet. WR Keenan Allen, RB Austin Ekeler (once healthy), and TE Gerald Everett should also see a bit more volume without Williams.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Chargers fear WR Mike Williams may have suffered a "potentially" season-ending left knee injury in Sunday's win over the Vikings. He'll have an MRI today to confirm the diagnosis. Losing Williams would present opportunity to rookie WR Quentin Johnston and third-year WR Josh Palmer. Each will be worth a look on the waiver wire this week, with Johnston carrying more upside.