The Chargers have listed receiver Mike Williams as questionable with the back injury he suffered last weekend against the Denver Broncos. Now on a short week, the team will travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars in the wild card round.
All week the indication was that Williams would play in the game despite whatever his attendance was during practice.
“He’s making progress in getting treatment,” Staley said. “We’re just trying to get him as much rest as possible for Saturday. We’re hoping that he can make it to the game.”
Staley said there is a good amount of time from now until the game on Saturday, that is 5:20 p.m. local time, so they will try to get the receiver as much rest and treatment as he needs before the game.
They will let him hit the field and warm up to see if he can play. After the workout, the decision will be made, so the spotlight pregame will be on Williams.
“Well, if he is, I think we know how that picture looks,” fellow receiver Keenan Allen said. “If he isn’t, then it will be tougher. You get the double a lot more. You got to count on the other guys to make plays like Mike.”
Williams is a big part of the offense, and when he missed the four games due to the ankle injury, the whole scheme looked completely different.
On Friday, Staley stood behind his decision of playing his starters last Sunday against the Broncos.
“It’s very difficult to decide who plays and who doesn’t, and who is more valuable than the rest,” Staley said. “What you are trying to do is set a standard for your program about how you do things. That is what I believe in. I didn’t want anybody to get hurt in that game, regardless of their status, because everybody is important.”
If Williams can’t play, the team will look toward Joshua Palmer to step up in his place, which he has at times this season.
As for right now, Williams will travel with the team and will try to get enough rest to be ready to try to help give his team a chance to advance.
“I’ve been with Mike for two full years, and I’ve also been with him through some injuries,” Staley said. “There’s a long time between now and game day. So, we’re just going to try and take advantage of all that time. Mike is as tough as they come in. If he can play, I know we will.”
