Mike Williams: Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver out for season with torn ACL

Mike Williams will miss the remainder of the 2023 season after suffering a torn ACL during the Los Angeles Chargers’ 28-24 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, in which he scored a 49-yard touchdown while making seven catches for 121 yards.

Last updated: 09/26/23 7:29 am

Williams is helped off the field against the Vikings

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee.

The team said an MRI on Monday morning confirmed the ACL tear, with no timetable set for surgery as they wait for swelling in the knee to subside.

“Mike is one of my favorites. He’s one of our most important players,” coach Brandon Staley said Monday. “He had a fantastic game yesterday and was on his way to a huge achievement. I mean, it was a huge achievement, but it probably could have ended up even bigger.”

Williams suffered the injury late in the third quarter of Sunday’s 28-24 win over the Minnesota Vikings while making a catch for an 11-yard gain.

Los Angeles Chargers extend their lead with this incredible trick play as Keenan Allen throws fellow wide receiver Mike Williams for the touchdown.

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Los Angeles Chargers extend their lead with this incredible trick play as Keenan Allen throws fellow wide receiver Mike Williams for the touchdown.

Los Angeles Chargers extend their lead with this incredible trick play as Keenan Allen throws fellow wide receiver Mike Williams for the touchdown.

Williams had seven receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown during the game, bringing his total to 19 catches for 249 yards and a touchdown this season.

The 28-year-old missed four regular-season games last season due to an ankle injury and then was sidelined for a playoff game after suffering a back injury in the regular-season finale in Denver.

Keenan Allen is the Chargers’ top receiver, but first-round picks Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston are expected to pick up the slack in Williams’ absence. Staley also said Derius Davis will likely see more snaps in the fourth round.

Allen set a single-game franchise record with 18 receptions for 215 yards in Sunday’s game.

“Everyone’s going to have to take their game to the next level. It’s not just the receiving group, it’s going to be the tight end group and the running back room as well,” Staley said.