Chargers host Super Bowl champion Chiefs at worst possible time – Orange County Register

The Chargers are in trouble. Their strong-armed, strong-willed quarterback has a butt ankle. At least one of their offensive tackles is sidelined due to injury. One of their best passers is out due to injury. Their top safety, the beating heart of their defense, is suspended for one game.

There is also the not-so-small matter of Sunday’s opponent.

The Kansas City Chiefs, winners of the last two Super Bowls and three of the last five, wait at SoFi Stadium, eager to pounce on an injured AFC West rival, eviscerating them while improving their own record to 4-0 . This may not be a fair fight. Parental supervision is recommended.

“It’s a challenge,” the Chargers said.

“It’s an opportunity,” they said.

It will also likely be a loss that evens their record at 2-2 heading into the bye week. At this point, the Chargers would do well to make the most of their bye week. Maybe a few days in the sun with a cold drink would help cure their ailments, which is enough for Sunday’s game against Kansas City.

After all, quarterback Justin Herbert isn’t healthy after spraining his right ankle in their Week 2 win over the Carolina Panthers and then aggravating it in their Week 2 loss. in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert was listed as questionable to play against the Chiefs.

Right tackle Rashawn Slater was ruled out of Sunday’s game due to a pectoral injury suffered against the Steelers. Left tackle Joe Alt was listed as questionable to play due to a sprained knee suffered against Pittsburgh. Alt didn’t practice last week, but could play.

Outside linebacker Joey Bosa injured his hip on the first play of the Chargers’ 20-10 loss to the Steelers, another in a string of sidelined injuries over the past few seasons. Additionally, he suffered a broken left hand that required surgery during training camp and said he was only 95% before week one.

Bosa has been ruled out for Sunday.

Safety Derwin James Jr. will not play either. He was suspended for one game by the NFL after an illegal hit to the head of Pittsburgh tight end Pat Freiermuth, earning his fifth unnecessary roughness penalty in 18 games, according to statistics compiled by the Associated Press.

James was banned from the team’s facilities in El Segundo this week.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ biggest concern was whether tight end Travis Kelce was receiving enough passes from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kelce had eight receptions for 69 yards in the Chiefs’ first three games. He also didn’t score a touchdown.

So, boo damn, right?

“I’m ready to rock,” Kelce told reporters in Kansas City last week.

Despite being shorthanded, despite not beating the Chiefs in 10 straight home games stretching from San Diego to Carson to Mexico City to Inglewood, the Chargers said they were ready to take on whatever Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs could throw at them on Sunday.

“We have so much respect for Patrick and what he’s done, coach (Andy) Reid, for their whole offense,” Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “So it’s a great opportunity, it’s a great challenge. It’s a great line of “You gotta play your way, you gotta play football.” »

Elijah Molden is likely to start in James’ place, as he did when fellow Alohi Gilman was sidelined for the Chargers’ win over the Panthers. The Chargers also signed veteran safety Tony Jefferson to the active roster from the practice squad to take James’ spot on the roster.

As for Herbert, veteran backup Taylor Heinicke is ready to start in his place if – and it’s a big if – he can’t play. Herbert was considered limited in practice during the week, but he was no longer wearing the walking boot he wore after the Steelers game. His ankle, however, was heavily bandaged.