EL SEGUNDO — Just when it seemed like The Chargers’ offense might finally be ready For takeoff, the team announced that four potential targets for quarterback Justin Herbert were listed Saturday as questionable to play Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals, and two others would be questionable.
Wide receivers DJ Chark (groin), Derius Davis (hamstring), Simi Fehoko (shoulder/groin) and Ladd McConkey (hip) were listed as questionable to play. Chark, Davis and McConkey would be limited participants in Saturday’s practice. Fehoko was a full participant.
Tight end Hayden Hurst (groin) and wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) were listed as questionable to play against the Cardinals. Hurst and Johnston did not participate in Saturday’s practice. Tight end Will Dissly, who started the week with a shoulder injury, was a full participant and expected to play.
All of which begs the question: Who will Herbert throw the ball to on Sunday?
The spate of injuries occurred just as Herbert’s sprained right ankle was progressing in the right direction. His mobility and precision were highlighted during the Chargers victory last Sunday against the Denver Broncos, when he set season highs for completions with 21, attempts with 34 and yards with 237.
It’s possible that Herbert could find himself without his two main targets, McConkey and Johnston. McConkey, a rookie whom Herbert considers a quarterback’s best friend because of his precise routes and sticky fingers, led his team with 19 receptions for 219 yards. Johnston leads the Chargers with three touchdowns.
McConkey and Johnston were injured during Chargers win 23-16 on the Broncos. McConkey caught four passes for 43 yards and Johnston caught three passes for 22 yards against Denver. Dissly also caught four passes against the Broncos, stepping up after Hurst was injured.
If there was a ray of sunshine in Saturday’s otherwise gloomy report, it’s that Chark could be set to make his season debut after missing the first five games of the season due to injuries. The Chargers opened their 21-day window Monday to return to practice from injured reserve.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh responded to a question about an experienced player like Chark, who is in his seventh NFL season, adding depth to a battered and bruised wide receiver corps by talking about the progress he’s made by Joshua Palmer throughout the season.
“I would just say we really like our ballroom,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t have that list (of attributes) in front of me. (But) DJ is a very good player. We will be delighted when he returns. We’re excited about Josh Palmer and where he’s at, what he’s doing. Big third down conversions last week (vs. Denver).
“I think he’s getting warmed up.”
Palmer has nine catches for 108 yards so far this season. He had two catches for 38 yards against the Broncos, both for third-down conversions in the first quarter. One of them extended a drive that led to a 38-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Kimani Vidal. The other went on a 20-play streak that set up a field goal.
WHAT ABOUT THE BOSA?
Chargers listed outside linebacker Joey Bosa also doubtful to play Sunday due to injuries that have limited him to three games this season. His final illness was a hip injury he suffered in the opening match of the Chargers’ defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 3.
“I’m working on something,” Harbaugh said. “Encouraged by the progress.”
