Chargers Final Injury Report For Week 5 Contains Long List of Injuries

The Los Angeles Chargers have had a rough start to the season and need a strong response as soon as possible, but they do have a very tough task this week as they take on the Denver Broncos.

On that note, the Chargers not only have a tough opponent coming in, but also have a variety of injuries to manage which could make this game even more difficult to win for Los Angeles.

With that said, let's take a look at the final injury report for the Chargers heading into this matchup against the Broncos on Sunday.

Starting with the players ruled out, that includes offensive tackle Joe Alt (neck), offensive guards Kayode Awosika (fibula), and Trevor Penning (concussion), cornerback Donte Jackson (hamstring), wide receivers Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brennen Thompson (quadricep), quarterback Trey Lance (groin), and safety Derwin James Jr. (hamstring).

Now looking at the players who are questionable, that list contains tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm), fullback Scott Matlock (foot), wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot), guard Branson Taylor (neck), and cornerback Rodney Shelly (undisclosed).

Lastly, the players who are on track to play are defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring), outside linebacker Khalil Mack (rest), defensive back Deane Leonard (rib), fullback Alec Ingold (shoulder), and cornerback Cam Hart (knee).

Overall, when looking at this injury report, it is clear that the Chargers are in a very tough spot when it comes to injuries and because of that this game is going to be a very difficult game to win, but the talent of this team still gives Los Angeles a chance.

Now, the biggest takeaway from this injury report has to be the sheer number of injuries to the offensive line and the fact that Awosika, Alt, and Penning have been ruled out, and that Branson Taylor is questionable. Additionally, offensive tackle Rashawn Slater has been placed on IR  per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

It is important to note that Branson Taylor and Matlock have been activated from the injury reserve list, so they are expected to play on Sunday, which will be interesting to watch.

As a result of all these injuries, it appears the Chargers will likely have to start four rookies which includes offensive tackles Travis Burke and Logan Taylor, center Jacob Spomer, and center and guard Jake Slaughter. The only non rookie in line to start appears to be right guard Cole Strange.

There has not been an official starting lineup named just yet, but based on the the significant number of injuries that have happened to the offensive line, it is more than likely that the Chargers will have to lean on these rookies.

Another takeaway is the fact that the Chargers are without Johnston and possibly McConkey, as Johnston is out and McConkey is questionable, so it will be interesting to see how quarterback Justin Herbert is able to attack through the air.

Speaking of Herbert, his backup, Lance has been ruled out, so the assumption is that quarterback DJ Uiagalelei will be elevated from the practice squad to serve as the backup quarterback. 

Also the Chargers secondary will be without James and Jackson which is not ideal and could put the defense in a tough spot as a result of the Broncos having some weapons who can take advantage of advantageous matchups.

So, heading into Sunday, it is pretty clear that the Chargers will have to be creative when it comes to how they will game plan, especially on offense, but ultimately, this team has to figure out how to get a win over the Broncos on Sunday, otherwise, Los Angeles will drop to 0-5 and be in an even tougher position heading into Week 6.