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Mike Williams Out 2-3 Weeks Due To Fracture In His Back
Mike Williams has a small, nonsurgical fracture in his back that is expected to sideline him two to three weeks, sources told ESPN's Lindsey Thiry on Friday.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero is reporting the same.

As a result of the injury and barring a Super Bowl run, Williams' season is likely over.

Williams had been downgraded to out for Saturday's wild-card playoff game against the Jaguars in Jacksonville. The Chargers said Williams would remain in Los Angeles to continue receiving treatment.

The sixth-year receiver had not practiced all week after being injured in the regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos. An initial X-ray was negative, and a first MRI also appeared negative. However, Williams was not progressing as expected on an initial diagnosis of a back contusion, leading to an additional MRI and the fracture diagnosis.

Aside from fellow top target Keenan Allen, Los Angeles has Josh Palmer, DeAndre Carter and Michael Bandy available at receiver. The team did not elevate one of its four practice squad receivers for Saturday night’s game against Jacksonville.

A 2017 first-round draft pick, Williams has caught 63 passes for a team-high 895 yards and four touchdowns this season. He missed four games with a high ankle sprain, and he paired up with Keenan Allen in only four complete games in 2022. The Chargers were 4-0 in those contests.

The fifth-seeded Chargers (10-7) are making their first playoff appearance since 2018.