Zachary Engberg
2 min read • November 05, 2022
Posted in
Whether or not the Chargers are cursed when it comes to injuries, there is enough evidence of to make a strong argument - and this year is no different.
Los Angeles started the year with quarterback Justin Herbert sustaining a rib cartilage fracture that has hindered him through the first half and wide receiver Keenan Allen suffering a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for the sixth time in seven games against the Falcons.
Key starters Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater, and J.C. Jackson are out with long-term injuries, receiving weapons Mike Williams and Donald Parham Jr. will miss Week 9 with ankle and hamstring injuries, respectively, and defensive end Jerry Tillery won’t suit up with a back injury.
Luckily for Los Angeles, 4-3, Herbert - SIC score 93 - will only get better as the season goes on and he will face a beat-up Falcons pass defense this week that has a 73.6 SIC score and has allowed a league-worst 2,566 yards and 14 touchdowns this year.
Austin Ekeler was limited on Thursday with an abdomen injury but will play without limitations and should be featured voluminously once again, along with receivers DeAndre Carter and Josh Palmer and tight end Gerald Everrett.
The division-leading Falcons emerge from a stolen win over the Panthers in which the beat-up secondary allowed 317 yards to P.J. Walker and 152 yards and a touchdown to DJ Moore.
The defense will have its work cut out once again against Justin Herbert even without his top two weapons in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Starting cornerbacks A.J. Terrell Jr. and Casey Hayward are both out for the second straight game and safety Jaylinn Hawkins will return from a concussion.
Veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson will reportedly be a game-time decision after being activated from short-term IR for an early-season knee surgery. Marcus Mariota has been able to lead a strong rushing attack even without Patterson behind an even split between Tyler Allegeir and Caleb Huntley, but has struggled to open up the passing attack with Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Damiere Byrd.
The Falcons will carry a double-digit score disadvantage in the rushing game, posting a 76.6 offense SIC score against an 87 SIC score for the Chargers’ defense.
Left guard Elijah Wilkinson, who was filling in for Jalen Mayfield, was ruled out, and Colby Gossett will likely start as he did in Week 3.
Written by Zachary Engberg
