INGLEWOOD — The Chargers played without three starting offensive linemen Sunday against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. Two were placed on injured reserve this past week. They also played without their top two wide receivers because of injuries and they played without their best defensive back.
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Was this any way to try to end a four-game losing streak to start the season?
Of course not.
The list of the injured was a lengthy one and an important one.
The Chargers placed Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater on IR after he underwent ankle surgery Thursday, and then they added third-string left guard Trevor Penning to IR because of a concussion Saturday. Pro Bowl right tackle Joe Alt couldn’t play because of a neck injury.
So, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh was forced to play four rookies on the offensive line. Travis Burke started at left tackle, Logan Taylor started at left guard, Jake Slaughter started at center and Alex Harkey started at right tackle. Right guard Cole Strange was the lone veteran on the O-line.
“As many young guys as we had out there, they did a great job,” Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said after a 23-17 loss to the Broncos dropped them to 0-5 to start the season. “They did a great job stepping up and making plays. … I thought we ran the ball really well today.”
Herbert was forced to contend with more than just a young offensive line attempting to protect him. By game’s end, he was also without three of his top targets because of injuries.
Ladd McConkey was in uniform after sitting out of practice because of a nagging foot injury, but didn’t play in the game. Fellow wide receiver Quentin Johnston was ruled out because of a chest injury, another suboptimal development for Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
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Wide receiver Tre’ Harris was forced from the game in the third quarter because of a hamstring injury. Harris had two catches for 16 yards before he was sidelined.
On defense, Pro Bowl safety Derwin James Jr. sat out for the second consecutive game because of a hamstring injury. In addition, cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Rodney Shelley were also sidelined because of hamstring injuries, leaving the defensive backfield shorthanded.
The Chargers’ defense took another hit when outside linebacker Bud Dupree was ruled out in the third quarter because of a neck injury.
ROSTER MOVES
The Chargers activated fullback/defensive lineman Scott Matlock and offensive lineman Branson Taylor from injured reserve. Matlock (foot) and Taylor (neck) started the season on injured reserve and sat out for the NFL’s mandatory minimum of four games. Penning and backup quarterback Trey Lance (groin) were placed on IR. The Chargers also elevated offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill and cornerback Isas Waxter from the practice squad.
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