The Los Angeles Chargers have designated their starting wide receiver, Joshua Palmer, for return from injured reserve. Palmer has a 21-day practice window before he can be elevated to the active roster. If Los Angeles doesn’t activate him in that 21-day window, he will miss the rest of the season.
Palmer suffered a knee sprain in Week 7 and managed to play in Week 8. However, he reaggravated his knee injury during the first quarter of Week 8 and finished the game with a noticeable limp. Los Angeles placed Palmer on injured reserve on November 5.
How did the Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver perform before the injury?
Palmer started the season as the number three wide receiver behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. An ACL tear to Mike Williams in Week 3 allowed Palmer to take over as the number two receiver. Palmer has done a good job being the number two option with Williams out of the lineup.
Palmer had 15 receptions for 294 yards, averaging 73.4 yards per game in those four games. His best performance was in Week 7 when he had five receptions for 133 yards.
Palmer has 23 receptions on 39 targets for 377 yards and one receiving touchdown this season. Despite missing five games, Palmer has the fourth most targets, the fifth most receptions, and the second most receiving yards on the team.
Who filled in for Palmer and how did they do?
The Chargers’ receiving corps has struggled to find a replacement for the injured Palmer. Rookie receiver Quentin Johnston has done a terrible job filling in and has struggled with drops and getting separation.
Johnston had 14 receptions on 23 targets for 128 yards and one touchdown in the last five games and has 26 receptions on 44 targets for 242 yards and one touchdown this season.
Johnston’s worst performance came in Week 11. He dropped a wide-open pass that could’ve been a touchdown on their last drive, and Los Angeles likely beats Green Bay. Instead, they lose a heartbreaker.
Who has been their WR3 with Palmer out?
Los Angeles’ number three option has been Jalen Guyton since they activated him off the PUP list in Week 9. Guyton has struggled to connect with Herbert on the deep ball. He has six receptions on 16 targets for 50 yards and one touchdown.
What receiver has carried the Chargers’ offense?
Keenan Allen has carried the receiving corps this season and has been the most consistent weapon. Allen has 102 receptions on 138 targets for 1,175 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite dealing with a quadriceps injury, Allen has played in every game and has given it his all.
Since Allen is in the lineup, he gives the team a chance to win every game.
When will Palmer play?
It’s unclear when Joshua Palmer will return to the lineup. When Palmer returns, the Chargers will be getting significant help at the receiver position.
What does the Chargers’ schedule look like?
The Los Angeles Chargers are in third place in the AFC West with a 5-7 record and are in 12th place in the AFC Playoff Picture.
They play at home against Denver in Week 14, on the road against Las Vegas in Week 15, at home against Buffalo in Week 16, on the road against Denver in Week 17, and at home against Kansas City in their season finale.
Will Palmer provide a boost to the offense and lead the Chargers to a playoff berth? Stay tuned.
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