The Los Angeles Chargers have revealed the game status for key players in the lineup ahead of their Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
The Los Angeles Chargers are now two days away from their Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, and with that in mind, the Chargers have released the game status for a few key players in the lineup.
So, with that said, let's take a look at the key players the Chargers reported on the injury report for those who will play, those who are out, and those who are questionable.
Starting with the players who will play, that includes defensive backs Derwin James (finger/rest) and Deane Leonard (abdomen), outside linebackers Khalil Mack (rest) and Tuli Tuipulotu (hamstring), offensive linemen Cole Strange (pectoral) and Rashawn Slater (groin), and wide receiver Ladd McConkey (rib).
With the players that seemed to be confirmed to play, the Chargers are in a solid spot as some key starters have been able to work through injuries and put themselves in a position to play on Sunday.
Now looking at players ruled out, that includes offensive linemen Trey Pipkins III (knee) and Kayode Awosika (fibula), defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring), defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring), wide receiver Brennan Thompson (quadricep), and tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm).
Without a doubt, the biggest development from the players who were ruled out was the fact that both Awosika and Pipkins will not play, so that will make offensive lineman Trevor Penning the starter. Whether Penning plays well or struggles could end up playing a key role in how this game turns out.
Lastly, when it comes to the players who are questionable that includes quarterback Trey Lance (groin) and defensive back Rodney Shelley (hamstring).
When it comes to the players who are questionable, the Chargers are in a decent spot, but if Lance cannot play it is worth wondering who could step up as the backup for quarterback Justin Herbert.
Overall, the Chargers are fairly healthy, but being without Awosika and Pipkins in this game is not ideal, and it will require Penning to step up and play well to protect Herbert and create lanes in the running game, but if Penning cannot perform the Los Angeles offense may have another tough day.
Additionally, with Tomlinson out, the Chargers will be leaning a lot more on defensive tackles Nick Barrett and Justin Eboigbe to pick up the slack. On the offensive side, with Kolar out for this game and fellow tight end David Njoku on IR, Los Angeles will need tight ends Oronde Gadsden and Hayden Rucci to show up and be great blockers, but also consistent options in the passing game.
So, the Chargers do have some key players out of the lineup, but even so, if a few players can step up and perform well, this team has the ability to go on the road and defeat the Bills, which would give Los Angeles their first win of the season.
