Who Should I Start? Mike Williams or Christian Kirk

Thursday, July 17, 2:08 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, who was recently placed on the training-camp PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. The 30-year-old entered the NFL as the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Chargers following a stellar career at Clemson. He spent the first seven seasons of his pro career with L.A. before playing for the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Overall, Williams tallied 330 receptions for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns. He hangs up his cleats with two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume. Known as a big-play threat, his impact diminished later in his career as he aged and dealt with injury. While he was unlikely to be a significant factor for the Chargers this year, his departure gives Quentin Johnston more breathing room after a slow start to his NFL career.

Thursday, October 23, 2:42 PM

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) failed to participate once again in Thursday's practice and is now trending toward missing a second consecutive game. Kirk has struggled to get onto the field this season, due to lingering hamstring issues, appearing in just three of the team's six games. When healthy, Kirk is a consistent target for C.J. Stroud in the passing game, but it has been difficult to get him on the field. Xavier Hutchinson appears likely to get the start on Sunday with both Kirk and Nico Collins (concussion) banged up. C.J. Stroud will likely also look to rookie Jayden Higgins to jumpstart a sputtering passing game.