The Chargers have issues. Their strong-armed, strong-willed quarterback has a bum ankle. At least one of their offensive tackles is sidelined by an injury. One of their top pass rushers is out because of an injury. Their top safety, the beating heart of their defense, is suspended for one game.
There also is the not-so-small matter of Sunday’s opponent.
The Kansas City Chiefs, winners of the past two Super Bowls and three of the past five, are lying in wait at SoFi Stadium, eager to pounce on a wounded AFC West rival, gutting them while improving their own record to 4-0. It might not be a fair fight. Parental guidance is advised.
“It’s a challenge,” the Chargers said.
‘It’s an opportunity,” they said.
It’s also likely to be a loss that evens their record at 2-2 going into their bye week. At this point, the Chargers would be wise to make the best of their bye week. Maybe a few days in the warm sun with a cool drink would help heal what ails them, which is plenty going into Sunday’s game against Kansas City.
After all, quarterback Justin Herbert isn’t sound after spraining his right ankle during their victory in Week 2 over the Carolina Panthers and then aggravating it during their loss in Week 3 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert was listed as questionable to play against the Chiefs.
Right tackle Rashawn Slater was ruled out of Sunday’s game because of a pectoral injury suffered against the Steelers. Left tackle Joe Alt was listed as questionable to play because of a sprained knee suffered against Pittsburgh. Alt didn’t practice this past week, but might 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 injuries that have sidelined over the last few seasons. What’s more, he suffered a broken left hand that required surgery during training camp and said he was only 95% going into Week 1.
Bosa was ruled out for Sunday.
Safety Derwin James Jr. won’t play, either. He was suspended for one game by the NFL after an illegal hit to the head of Pittsburgh tight end Pat Freiermuth, drawing his fifth unnecessary roughness penalty in 18 games, according to statistics compiled by The Associated Press.
James was banned from the team’s El Segundo facility this week.
Meanwhile, the biggest concern the Chiefs seemed to have was whether tight end Travis Kelce was getting enough passes thrown his way from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Kelce had eight receptions for 69 yards through the Chiefs’ first three games. He also did not have a touchdown catch.
So, boo freaking hoo, right?
“I’m ready to rock,” Kelce told reporters in Kansas City this past week.
Despite being shorthanded, despite not having beaten the Chiefs in 10 consecutive home games stretching from San Diego to Carson to Mexico City to Inglewood, the Chargers said they were ready for whatever Mahomes, Kelce and the Chiefs could throw at them Sunday.
“We have so much respect for Patrick and what he’s done, Coach (Andy) Reid, just their whole offense,” Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “So, it’s a great opportunity, it’s a great challenge. It’s a fine line of ‘You’ve got to play your stuff, you’ve got to play football.’”
Elijah Molden is likely to start in place of James, as he did when fellow safety Alohi Gilman was sidelined for the Chargers’ victory over the Panthers. The Chargers also signed veteran safety Tony Jefferson to the active squad from the practice squad to take James’ place on the roster.
As for Herbert, veteran backup Taylor Heinicke is prepared to start in his place if – and that’s a big if – he can’t play. Herbert was listed as limited in practice during the week, but he was no longer wearing the walking boot he wore after the game against the Steelers. His ankle was heavily taped, however.
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No question, the Chargers have faith in Heinicke.
“He’s coming along really well,” Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said of Heinicke, acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons on Aug. 29. “He’s picking things up quickly. He was burning the midnight oil. He was drinking truck stop coffee to get caught up. Hats off to him. Real pro.”
CHARGERS (2-1) vs. CHIEFS (3-0)
When: 1:25 p.m. Sunday
Where: SoFi Stadium
TV/radio: CBS (Ch. 2)/ 98.7 FM; 105.5 FM, 94.3 FM (Spanish)