Joshua Palmer entered the Los Angeles Chargers‘ Week 8 contest as a game-time decision. He ultimately suited up, but the third-year wide receiver appeared to aggravate his existing injury. What happened to Palmer on Sunday night, and what’s his latest injury status?
Joshua Palmer Injury Update
Palmer appeared to get his right knee rolled up on near the end of the first quarter. He immediately went down on the field and was clearly in a significant amount of pain.
Palmer couldn’t put any weight on his right leg and ultimately hopped off the field. He had to limp into the blue medical tent on the Chargers’ sideline.
#Chargers WR Joshua Palmer suffers an injury after making a catch on this play. pic.twitter.com/hW43QAYFHw
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365)
Fortunately, Palmer returned to the game early in the second quarter. He missed roughly a series and a half.
Palmer did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning for a limited session on Friday. He was listed as questionable for tonight’s game, and it was unclear if he would suit up until the Chargers announced their inactive list.
MORE: Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart
Palmer has taken on an expanded role since Mike Williams suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3. He posted season highs in receptions (five) and yards (133) in the Chargers’ Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Fantasy Fallout From Palmer’s Injury
Palmer had established himself as the WR2 in the Chargers’ explosive offense since Williams’ injury, a role that is now Johnston’s for the taking.
The 21st overall pick in April recorded just seven grabs through seven weeks, but he has at least been on the field to gain some NFL experience. Johnston should be rostered across the board, though expectations need to be kept in check. He profiles as a risk/reward option if counted on as the WR2 in this offense for an extended period.
The starting tight end on this offense gains a little target equity due to this injury, but not enough to drastically alter rankings moving forward. Gerald Everett was inactive on Sunday night, leaving Donald Parham Jr. as LA’s TE1.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe
