Chargers WR Mike Williams to miss rest of 2023 with torn ACL

The Los Angeles Chargers claimed their first victory Sunday, but it came at a cost.

An MRI on Monday revealed that receiver Mike Williams, a key figure in the team's offense, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will likely miss the remainder of the 2023 season.

Williams, 28, suffered the injury deep into the third quarter of the Chargers' 28-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings after he caught an 11-yard pass and was brought down to the turf. Williams was checked on the field and was limping significantly following the injury. He was eventually carted to the locker room and was ruled out a short time later.

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The injury came after Williams had already made a big impact in the game, as he caught seven passes on eight targets for 121 yards and a touchdown on a 49-yard trick play pass from veteran receiver Keenan Allen.

Who will the Chargers use with Mike Williams injured?

With Williams sidelined, Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston, the No. 21 overall selection in the 2023 NFL draft, will almost certainly be asked to take on larger roles.

Williams has been the Chargers' big-play threat at receiver alongside Allen since he broke out during the 2018 season, the one after his rookie campaign. Since then, Williams has hauled in 31 touchdowns for Los Angeles. With the powerful arm of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, Williams has remained a deep play threat and is averaging 15.6 yards per reception over his seven-year career.

The Chargers have also been without star running back Austin Ekeler (ankle) the last two games, though his eventual return is expected. Los Angeles (1-2) will host the Raiders (1-2) in Week 4.

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