Injuries to the Los Angeles Chargers offense bear some blame for the end result of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They were forced to play without two of their top playmakers, running back JK Dobbins and tight end Will Dissly, in addition to playing with a hobbled wide receiver, Ladd McConkey, and quarterback Justin Herbert. Furthermore, their stalwart starting left guard Zion Johnson left the game in the second half and did not return to action.
No update has been given on Johnson’s status. Jamaree Salyer played left guard in Johnson’s stead.
To make matters worse, they must attempt to address these injuries on a short week, playing against surging AFC West rivals, the Denver Broncos on Thursday Night Football.
More Chargers End Up On The Injury Report
The Chargers released their estimated injury report on Monday afternoon and several unexpected names were listed. Justin Herbert was limited with an ankle injury, while Quentin Johnston missed the day also dealing with an ankle. Will Dissly missed his fourth consecutive practice.
The new name on the injury report is Johnston. Despite some poor play in select games, Johnston has been a far more reliable target than last season. He is now the second-most targeted receiver in the offense and leads the team with eight receiving touchdowns, which is half of their total receiving TDs
The offense struggled to move the ball against the Buccaneers’ 18th-ranked defense (by EPA per play) and now they will have to face the Broncos’ #1 defense.
Herbert’s health is of paramount importance, but if they are forced to play with a limited slate of playmakers, the Chargers season could take a hard turn away from their optimistic start. They currently have a 90 percent chance to make the playoffs, but that drops to a five percent chance if they lose their remaining games.
The Broncos remain the biggest competition down the stretch, with the defense of their Week 17 game against the New England Patriots ranking 30th and the Las Vegas Raiders Ranking 24th, and now must compete without their top defender, edge rush star, Maxx Crosby.