Is Mike Williams Injury Serious? Week 8 Fantasy Football Injury Update

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams has turned into a fantasy star over the past year. After averaging only 7.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the first four years of his career, the former first-round pick averaged 13 fantasy points per game in 2021, a career-high.

Coming off the best year of his career, the Chargers re-signed Williams to a massive long-term extension in the offseason. Unfortunately, Keenan Allen suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 and missed the next five games.

With the veteran unable to play, Williams stepped up as Justin Herbert’s No. 1 wide receiver. The former Clemson star averaged 9.2 targets and 13.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in the five games Allen missed.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Is Mike Williams Injured Or Healthy?

Thankfully, Allen returned in Week 7 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, Williams suffered a terrible-looking ankle injury in the fourth quarter.

Initially, everyone feared his season would be over. Instead, Williams only suffered a high ankle sprain. While he will time with the injury, the star receiver will return at some point this season.

Who Can I Target Off The Waiver Wire?

Los Angeles has their bye in Week 8, giving fantasy players a small break with Williams’ ankle injury. However, the odds that he is ready to play in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons are slim.

Therefore, fantasy players need to find replacement options on the waiver wire. The most obvious target is Joshua Palmer.

The third-year receiver from Tennessee has been solid this season, filling in for Allen. He has averaged 7.2 targets and 8.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in the five contests the veteran receiver was out.

While Palmer is available in over 70% of ESPN leagues, my favorite waiver wire wide receiver target this week is Wan’Dale Robinson. He is available in over 85% of ESPN leagues.

The New York Giants rookie receiver has missed time this year with a knee injury. However, he has played well in the two games since returning. More importantly, Robinson played more of a role in New York’s offense in Week 7 than in Week 6.

Whether fantasy players need a replacement for Williams or not, Robinson is the top wide receiver waiver wire target this week.

More Fantasy Football Analysis