Chargers coach Brandon Staley faced a wave of scrutiny for leaving his starters in for a majority of last weekend’s regular season finale against the Broncos despite the team having no chance to improve its playoff seeding. The backlash is already in full force again after Los Angeles ruled out wide receiver Mike Williams from this Saturday’s wild-card game with a back injury that he sustained while playing in Week 18.
The Chargers announced Friday that Williams, who was previously listed as questionable to play against the Jaguars, had been downgraded to out. The 28-year-old will not travel to Jacksonville for the game and will continue to receive treatment in Los Angeles, the team said.
Williams suffered what was originally reported to be a back contusion in the second quarter of a 31–28 loss to the Broncos, but it seems that the injury is more serious than previously believed. According to ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry, Williams sustained a small, non surgical fracture in his back. Further tests revealed the injury which is expected to keep the veteran wideout off the field for two-to-three weeks.
