2 min read • August 14, 2021
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Los Angeles Chargers
RB Austin Ekeler -
The star running back suffered a significant hamstring avulsion injury and missed six games but returned to finish the season strong. This type of hamstring injury has a low chance of recurrence and Ekeler should be good to go. His style of play could mesh incredibly with this offense as Justin Herbert enters year two. Ekeler is one of the best receiving backs in the league, and is highly efficient on the ground as well. With time to heal up this offseason, he should be a full go in 2021. Even in a stunted season, Ekeler managed to finish with 933 yards from scrimmage and is capable of much more.
WR Keenan Allen -
The stud wideout suffered a hamstring injury Week 15 and missed the final part of the season as he was also placed on the Reserve/COVID list before the season finale. Allen may not have played due to the hamstring injury, but this should be a non-issue now as long as he acclimates well. He has had his share of injuries over the years but has performed well through most of them, and should build on his connection with Herbert in year two. He had 100 catches for 992 yards and eight scores as Herbert’s favorite target, and as that trust grows his production could as well.
WR Mike Williams -
The Chargers wide receiver is dealing with a hip flexor injury per new head coach Brandon Staley. The degree and exact location were not determined, nor his timeline. Hip flexor injuries are soft tissue injuries that are all part of acclamation to camp. The hope is that it is not severe. However, it will affect a receiver's explosiveness, and on out-routes, which could be a big factor for Williams. The recovery timeline will depend on the exact degree of injury, in which specific hip flexor was injured, but this is definitely something to watch as we move forward. Jalon Guyton and Tyron Johnson could certainly step up until Mike Williams is ready, but they’ll need their WR2 at full speed down the stretch.
OL Matt Feiler -
The former Steelers guard suffered a pectoral injury Week 14 Sunday night and was placed on IR. Feiler missed the last three games of the regular season before returning for the Wild Card loss to the Cleveland Browns. Feiler starts off healthy with his new team, and could solidify an offensive line that has been in flux for years.
DE Joey Bosa -
The star defensive end missed a total of four games with a concussion and shin issue (missed two games each). Bosa finished with 7.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss on the year, but it was a tougher campaign for him. Bosa is poised to start 2021 in good shape, and while he’ll likely face more attention with Melvin Ingram out of town, the three time Pro Bowler should be due for a comeback season.
LB Drue Tranquill -
The Notre Dame prospect turned Charger broke his left ankle in the first week of the season and missed the rest of the year. It has been almost a year since the fracture, meaning the ankle should be a non-issue. Tranquill should be able to flash that trademark speed and become a force off the ball once again.
S Derwin James -
The oft-injured safety missed the entire 2020 season after tearing his meniscus in practice before the season. James suffered a significant preseason injury for the second year in a row and will try to avoid a third. James and his surgeon had a significant decision to make, and they chose to do what is best for the long haul with the repair causing the lost season. Players can push through, but now with a year of recovery and rehab behind him, James should be a force over the top. In 2019, James suffered a re-fracture of a 5th metatarsal which cost him most of his sophomore season. He is currently healthy, but let's hope he can avoid a third straight preseason injury.
CB Chris Harris Jr. -
Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. missed time due to a broken foot which was worse news than the originally expected high ankle sprain. Harris was placed on injured reserve after his Week 2 injury but returned after missing seven games in 2020. He has had his share of injuries but was still able to be effective in the slot, and now begins 2021 healthy.
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