The Los Angeles Chargers were able to rest up during their bye week, but they head into a key divisional matchup with the Denver Broncos looking a bit shorthanded… again.
Let’s start with the good news. Justin Herbert is not listed on the injury report and is slated to start. That was expected, but dealing with his injuries this season is a week-to-week situation. Hopefully, he’s out of the woods with his injury trouble.
In addition, starting right tackle and first-round pick, Joe Alt will return to the lineup. He missed the team’s Week 4 game against Kansas City, but he’s back sooner than some thought he would be.
Now, for the bad news. Looking at the injury report released by the team on Friday, the Chargers still have a lot to overcome.
| Player | Position | Injury | Game Status |
| Joey Bosa | OLB | Hip | Questionable |
| Gus Edwards | RB | Ankle | Out |
| Kristian Fulton | CB | Knee | Questionable |
| Deane Leonard | CB | Hamstring | Questionable |
| Nick Niemann | LB | Hamstring | Questionable |
| Rashawn Slater | OT | Pectoral | Questionable |
| Asante Samuel Jr. | CB | Shoulder | Out |
| Ja’Sir Taylor | CB | Fibula | Out |
There are some big names on that list, including Joey Bosa and Rashawn Slater. Both of them missed the team’s Week 4 loss to Kansas City and the Chargers don’t want to rush either player back to action.
What stands out the most is the team’s situation at cornerback. Asante Samuel Jr. and Ja’Sir Taylor have both been ruled out for the game, but both Kristian Fulton and Deane Leonard are listed as questionable. Fulton is dealing with a knee issue but was able to log a couple of full practices this week. Leonard, on the other hand, was only able to practice in a limited fashion.
The Broncos are not the most dangerous passing team in the league, but the Chargers could have a bunch of backups starting in the secondary this week and that could boost the confidence of Denver quarterback Bo Nix.
One other injury to note is that of Gus Edwards, who has been entirely ineffective in his first season with the Chargers. This could lead to rookie Kimani Vidal seeing his first action of the season, and that could help spark the team’s backfield.
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