Team news: Los Angeles Chargers | Page 3

It appears Chargers tight end Donald Parham avoided a long-term injury during Sunday’s win over the Raiders.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Parham’s X-Rays were negative and he suffered a sprained wrist.

As the story went on to say, with the Chargers on a bye, Parham may be back for the team's Week 6 matchup against Dallas on Monday Night Football. But Fowler notes Parham’s return is still uncertain at this point. Parham only has six catches for 33 yards but does have three touchdowns.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Justin Herbert has been diagnosed with a fracture in the finger. Herbert, who dropped a Monty Python reference when asked about the finger after the game, also suffered what Rapoport describes as a “gruesome nail injury.”

The Chargers have a bye in Week 5 and neither of the injuries are expected to affect his availability for their Week 6 Monday night game against the Cowboys. Herbert did finish the game in Week 4. Good news for owners who will have him back in lineups for Week 6.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert's finger injury is not considered major.

Herbert had a splint on his non-throwing hand but did finish the game, including a perfect deep pass on third down to ice the contest. Rapoport said it may be a break or a dislocation, but the Chargers have a bye in Week 5, which comes at a good time for Herbert. We'll continue to monitor his injury heading into Week 6. It's a home game against the Cowboys on Monday night, so owners may need to have a backup plan in place.

Chargers officially are listing RB Austin Ekeler and S Derwin James as doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. the Raiders.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

The role that we had pegged for Joshua Kelley in Austin Ekeler's absence has not been as fruitful as most hoped, including his 12 yards on 11 attempts in Week 3. The footage of Ekeler at practice floating around was mostly just him jumping up and down, not actively participating in practice, so we'll keep an eye on his situation as the week progresses.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler, dealing with a high-ankle sprain, was back at practice for the first time in a couple of weeks. He was limited.

Related Players: Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller

The role that we had pegged for Joshua Kelley in Austin Ekeler's absence has not been as fruitful as most hoped, including his 12 yards on 11 attempts in Week 3. The footage of Ekeler floating around was mostly just him jumping up and down, not actively participating in practice, so we'll keep an eye on his situation as the week progresses.

Coach Brandon Staley said in July they would bring Quentin Johnston along slowly, and that’s held true. Staley said the slow ramp-up for their first-round pick isn’t because Johnston isn’t ready, but rather because of the talent ahead of him.

But that timeline has shifted. Mike Williams suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Sunday’s win against the Minnesota Vikings. The Chargers no longer have the luxury of keeping their first-round receiver hidden on the sidelines.

“We believe in the makeup of this guy, and now he's going to get a bigger opportunity because there are going to be more opportunities available for him,” Staley said. “So it's a great chance for him to step up.”

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer

Allen is obviously still the top target but will probably draw more attention from defenses. Johnston will battle with Palmer for the WR2 spot but certainly has a chance to take over that role given his first-round talent. But as the story said, Johnston's play fluctuated in camp and he struggled with drops at one point. Still, if you're looking for help at the WR position, Johnston should be picked up and at least stashed for a week or two to see how he starts to fit in with this high-powered offense.

Source: Chargers WR Mike Williams has torn his ACL and is out for the season, the MRI confirmed.

Related players: Keenan Allen, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston

It's what was feared since Sunday after the game. Williams was having a standout Week 3 before the injury happened. Williams will try to bounce back for next year at the age of 30. As for this season, rookie Johnston should be picked up this week if he's still on your waiver wire. It appears he's going to see an increased role according to those who follow the team. Palmer will also factor in give how much the Chargers throw the ball.

The Chargers fear WR Mike Williams has suffered a major knee injury.

Related players: Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen

No one is confirming until after the MRI, according to Rapoport, but those are the rumors leaking out. They are also saying it could be season-ending. Rapoport went on to say rookie Johnston would likely step into more playing time along with Palmer.