David Chao, MD
2 min read • January 13, 2023
Posted in
The Los Angeles Chargers will be without key wideout Mike Williams for the Wild Card matchup against the Jaguars, but he has a chance to return next week if they win on Saturday.
Williams is reportedly dealing with a transverse process fracture in his back after taking a hard hit in Week 18.
Although the fracture won’t fully heal until after the playoffs, it is not an issue that will be made worse by playing through it, according to the Pro Football Docs. However, it is painful to play through because of the associated muscles and ligaments.
A pain-numbing injection is likely not an option because of the location of the injury and the amount of muscles involved. If Williams plays in the next round, he will likely be dealing with a considerable amount of pain that could limit his effectiveness.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston reportedly suffered four transverse process fractures in Week 1, but played through the pain and did not miss time.
Derek Carr also suffered transverse process fractures in Week 4, 2017, but missed just one game.
Wide receiver is a tougher position to play with this type of injury, but it can be done.
The Pro Football Docs were optimistic about his chances to play in the Wild Card matchup after what appeared to be back spasms from a back contusion.
This is an instance where video analysis is limited and the diagnosis was wrong. The transverse process fracture was reportedly found on a follow-up MRI when he was not progressing as the team expected.
Typically, this type of fracture is found on imaging. If the imaging is inconclusive, the process is usually repeated.
It’s unclear if this was the case with the Chargers or if the team was being coy with Williams’ status. Either way, Los Angeles will likely need more production from Joshua Palmer and DeAndre Carter to advance past Jacksonville.
The Chargers are favored by 2.5 points on the road and the over/under is 47.5 points, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Written by David Chao, MD
