Chargers’ Mike Williams out for rest of season with torn ACL

The Chargers will be without wide receiver Mike Williams for the season, who suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.

Williams was injured Sunday after making a catch late in the third quarter in the team’s 28-24 win at Minnesota. An MRI scan of Williams’ left knee showed the extent of the injury.

In his absence, rookie first-round draft pick Quentin Johnston is expected to play a larger role after seeing limited action to start the season.

Williams finished the season with 19 receptions for 249 yards and a touchdown, which he scored against the Vikings on a pass from fellow wide receiver Keenan Allen.

In his seventh season away from Clemson, Williams has battled a number of injuries throughout his career but has been able to play in at least 13 games every year since 2018.

He missed the Chargers’ AFC wild-card playoff loss at Jacksonville in January after suffering a back injury in the regular-season finale.

Johnston served part-time as the team’s fourth wideout behind Williams, Allen and Joshua Palmer. He has five catches for 26 yards.

When Williams and Allen both missed time in 2022, Palmer proved to be a reliable target for quarterback Justin Herbert with 72 receptions for 769 yards and three scores.

Chargers coach Brandon Staley is scheduled to meet with the media Monday afternoon.