Williams hasn’t practiced with the Chargers all week because of an injury, and he is listed as “questionable” for Saturday’s Wild Card Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Brandon Staley discusses the Chargers’ game plan for dealing with Mike Williams’ injury
Brandon Staley decided to play most of his starters in the LA Chargers’ Week 18 game against the Denver Broncos, even though the fifth seed was already locked up no matter what happened. The starters not only played, but they also played a lot of snaps in a game that didn’t really matter.
When you play like this, you’re going to get burned, and that’s what happened to Staley and the Chargers. Mike Williams hurt his back and had to leave the game early. He might be the most important offensive player who isn’t named Justin Herbert.
Williams hasn’t practiced with the Chargers all week, and he is listed as “questionable” for Saturday’s Wild Card Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars because of an injury. On the surface, it might look like Williams definitely won’t play, but it looks like the team has a good reason.
Brandon Staley says Mike Williams will travel with the team and he's officially questionable for the game.
"The reps aren't what matter the rest is."
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) January 12, 2023
The Chargers won’t know if Mike Williams will play until the game starts.
Brandon Staley is basically saying that Mike Williams didn’t need the practice reps this week to be ready for the game against the Jaguars. Instead, Williams’ back needed to rest. This is a very good thing for Staley to say, even though it doesn’t promise anything.
This makes it look like the Bolts are just letting Williams rest this week so he can be as close to 100% as possible. Then, on Saturday, the team will be able to give Williams painkillers for his back so he can put on his uniform and go play.
Staley did say after the game against the Broncos that Williams could have come back. Even though he had to be carried to the locker room, this may not have been the case, but there is still hope about Williams’ injury and how long it will take him to get better.
For the Chargers, getting Williams back in some way for this game is a big deal. He might not be able to play as many snaps as usual, but if he can come in on third down and in the red zone, that will make a huge difference.
Without Williams, the Chargers’ offense could be the same frustrating and slow as it has been in the past. That won’t be enough to beat this Jacksonville team.
