The Los Angeles Chargers received a critical boost of good news this week regarding star pass rusher Khalil Mack. What looked like a potentially season-ending injury has turned into something far more manageable.
Mack dislocated his elbow during Monday night’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, an awkward collision with teammate Troy Dye that bent his arm in the wrong direction. The sight had Chargers fans fearing the worst—a broken arm or season-ending setback. Instead, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday that Mack is only expected to miss “a few weeks.”
“Khalil Mack, who left Monday’s win over the Raiders with a dislocated elbow, is expected to be back in a few weeks,” Rapoport wrote.
Mack exited in the first quarter and returned to the bench with his elbow heavily wrapped and secured in a sling. While his absence will sting, Los Angeles clearly avoided the nightmare scenario of losing one of its defensive anchors for the season.
How Long Will Mack Be Out?
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The timeline suggests Mack could miss two or three games. That would sideline him for matchups against the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders, with a possible return before the Chargers face the Miami Dolphins.
Through two games this season, Mack has recorded one sack and four pressures, continuing his role as a central piece of Los Angeles’ defense. He’s coming off a 2024 campaign that featured six sacks and yet another Pro Bowl nod—his ninth in an 11-year career. With 108.5 career sacks, Mack ranks fourth among all active players.
Chargers’ Options Without Mack
The Chargers’ pass rush looked thin after Mack exited Monday, sparking questions about whether the team should add depth. If Mack’s injury had been season-ending, a veteran signing would have been inevitable. But given that he’s expected back soon, the Chargers may not feel pressure to force a move.
Los Angeles already has capable reinforcements in Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu, who combined for 14.5 sacks last season. They should be enough to hold down the fort while Mack heals. That said, the Chargers could still explore external options—especially if the pass rush falters in the coming weeks—but the urgency has been drastically reduced.
Bolts Can Breathe Again
At 2-0, Los Angeles has looked like one of the NFL’s most complete teams early this season. Mack’s health was always going to be pivotal in sustaining that momentum. While the Chargers will need to weather a short stretch without him, they clearly dodged a devastating blow.
This is, quite simply, the best outcome they could have hoped for. Instead of facing life without their defensive cornerstone, the Chargers can plan for Mack’s return—and for the push that will matter most later in the season.
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