The Los Angeles Chargers can’t catch a break.
They were on the verge of a playoff berth last season if not for the Las Vegas Raiders opting for the win rather than the tie.
Meanwhile, they are at 1-2 this season after a tight loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and a blowout defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Their problems don’t end there, as The Athletic’s Daniel Popper highlights the injuries they are nursing.
So to recap for #Chargers…
• QB: fractured rib cartilage
• All-Pro center: knee injury
• All-Pro LT likely to miss season with torn biceps
• No. 1 receiver has strained hamstring
• Top pass rusher has groin injury
• Top CB not responding as expected from ankle surgery— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 26, 2022
Quarterback Justin Herbert is limited by fractured rib cartilage, while center Corey Linsley has a knee injury.
Left tackle Rashawn Slater also had a season-ending biceps injury, and wide receiver Keenan Allen has a strained hamstring.
Edge rusher Joey Bosa is also sidelined by a groin injury, while cornerback J.C. Jackson is taking a while to recover from ankle surgery.
These injuries hamper the Chargers’ chances of dominating the opposition.
Herbert’s injury is the toughest because their offense isn’t as threatening without him.
Having all these players on the field gives the Chargers an invincible roster.
Their struggles may have no end in sight, especially with Slater missing the season.
A Promising Season Turning Into Disaster
Having all their weapons easily make the Chargers a top-five team on offense.
However, they are ranked 11th in total yards with 356 per game.
While they rank second in passing yards (297 per game), injuries to Slater and Linsley give them the worst rushing offense in the league after Week 3 at 59 yards per game.
Their pass defense has also taken a hit by giving up 248 yards per game (20th in the league).
They also surrender 28 points per game, the third-worst clip after three games.
The Chargers hope to find some diamonds from their reserves as they try to bounce back in Week 4 when they face the Houston Texans.
NEXT: The Chargers Have A Path To AFC West Domination