Los Angeles Chargers Declare Wide Receiver Williams Out for Wildcard Round

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley will have a lot to answer for. The team officially declared wide receiver Mike Willimas out for Saturday's Wildcard matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars with a back injury.

#Chargers WR Mike Williams is downgraded as OUT for the playoff matchup vs. Jacksonville with the back injury. He will not travel with the team.
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) January 13, 2023

Williams suffered a back injury in the Chargers' meaningless Week 18 matchup with the Denver Broncos. Despite being locked into the AFC's fifth seed, Staley elected to play his starters well into the second half. Williams injured his back after 25 snaps and four receptions for 32 yards. The Chargers eventually lost 31-28.

Williams' unavailability is a devastating turn of events for the Chargers and could cost them dearly. Williams led the team in receiving this year with 895 yards despite missing four games, and his 9.6 yards per target were the best of any Charger with more than 15 catches. The Jaguars crushed the Chargers 38-10 in Week 3, even with Williams on the field.