Is Josh Palmer playing vs Texans? Chargers WR's status revealed for playoff game

Josh Palmer has been a solid, if unassuming, memeber of the Los Angeles Cargers' receiving corps. In his first four seasons, he hasn't hit 800 yards, overshadowed by more dominant talents like Keenan Allen, Mike WIlliams and most recently Ladd McConkey.

However, with Allen and Williams gone in 2024, Palmer assumed a more significant leadership role. While he was only moderately decent, at just 39 catches for 584 yards and a single touchdown, his intangibles helped elevate the squad back to a winning level.

Nevertheless, there's bad news for Palmer as the Chargers return to the playoffs this Saturday.

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Josh Palmer's injury update

On Thursday, the Chargers released their final injury report ahead of their Wild Card game at the Houston Texans. Josh Palmer is the only player listed as out, having dealt with a foot injury that prevented him from participating on all three practice days:

Meanwhile, cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor is listed as doubtful after a rib injury heavily limited his involvement (limited Tuesday and Thursday, DNP Wesnesday). Six more players are questionable:

• RB JK Dobbins (ankle)
• WR Simi Fehoko (elbow, designated for return)
• WR Quentin Johnston (thigh/illness)
• G Trey Pipkins (oblique)
• LB Denzel Perryman (groin)
• CB Eli Apple (hamstring, designated for return)

Three players are off the report after completing full drills:

• RB Gus Edwards (ankle)
• OT Rashawn Slater (knee)
• G Zion Johnson (ankle)

For the Texans, only guard Shaq Mason is listed as out, a knee injury preventing him from participating in all practices, as was the case with Josh Palmer. No player has been ruled as doubtful, but four are questionable:

• WR John Metchie III (shoulder)
• TE Teagan Quitoriano (calf, designated for return)
• DE Denico Autry (knee)
• LB Christian Harris (ankle)

These six players, meanwhile, are off the report and are expected to play:

• OT Nick Broeker (hand)
• DT Folorunso Fatukasi (ankle)
• DE Will Anderson Jr. (hand)
• LB Jake Hansen (ankle)
• CB D'Angelo Ross (shoulder)
• CB Jeff Okudah (concussion)

Kickoff for the Texans-Chargers game is at 4:30 p.m. on CBS. Nickelodeion will also carry a youth-oriented alternate broadcast led by former wideout and current analyst Nate Burleson.