Chargers Face Slew of Injuries Going Into Week 4
Photo Credit: (Stephen Maturen, Getty Images)
Entering Week 4, the Los Angeles Chargers are rebounding from an 0-2 start after narrowly beating the Vikings last week. The high from their first win of the season has only lasted so long, however, as the team has focused its sights on their next matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. A struggling Raiders team would seem like an easy win, but the Chargers are dealing with multiple injuries and multiple players that might not suit up for the game. It’s the Chargers, what’s new?
The obvious injury on everyone’s mind is the loss of WR Mike Williams, who tore his ACL in the previous game. The Chargers have taken multiple steps to replace their productive receiver, such as signing Simi Fehoko from the Steelers’ practice squad and adding AJ Finley to their own practice squad. Fans are also wondering about the possible usage of Quentin Johnston, the Chargers’ most-recent first round pick that they have yet to utilize. Head Coach Brandon Staley had a statement to make on that potential development.
Certainly, with the loss of Mike Williams, there are many questions as to who will line up on the opposite side of Keenan Allen. But that is not the only position that is left with multiple questions for Sunday’s game. At practice on Wednesday, there were multiple starters that were either labeled as did not participate (DNP) or limited. As OLBs Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, LB Kenneth Murray Jr., and safeties Alohi Gilman and Derwin James Jr. were all DNPs, the defense is facing a lot of health issues. Add to that the fact that J.C. Jackson, who was a healthy scratch in their last game, is still questionable to take the field while currently facing legal issues, and it is obvious that the Chargers defense is very short-handed.
On the offensive side of the ball, C Corey Linsley and TE Gerald Everett were both DNPs and OT Rashawn Slater was limited. This does not bode well for the offensive line, but the Chargers are not the only ones dealing with injuries. Their opponents, the Raiders, have a few big-impact injury questions as well. The full Wednesday injury report can be seen here.
Despite all the injuries, after taking a look at the injury report, Chargers fans have a few things to feel relieved about. Not only are the Raiders facing tough losses as well, as QB Jimmy Garoppolo is possibly out with a concussion and DE Maxx Crosby has been limited in practice, but the Chargers returned a few players to practice as well. LB Eric Kendricks, though limited, returned to practice this week, and, to the happiness of Chargers fans, star running back Austin Ekeler also returned. While it is still up in the air if either will play this weekend, it is certainly good to see both players starting to make their return.
As the Thursday injury report will be released later today, Chargers fans desperately wait for any hope that today’s practice participation can give them. They will certainly need as many of their starters as they can get for their first divisional matchup this Sunday at 4:05 ET.
