The Los Angeles Chargers will be one of the first teams in the league to go on their bye week this season, and there should be no complaints about that. Though the injury bug has struck hard in the early portion of this season, the Chargers were hit especially hard in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In that game, Justin Herbert, Joey Bosa, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater all left with injuries. Throw in the fact that safety Derwin James has been suspended for one game, and things could get ugly this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chargers could decide to hold all of those players out of that game to prevent further, more serious injuries and with the bye coming after that game, that would make sense.
Chargers injury updates
Justin Herbert, QB: Herbert is dealing with a high ankle sprain and probably should not have played against Pittsburgh, but X-rays on the ankle came back negative and ESPN's Adam Schefter believes that he will find a way to play against the Chiefs.
Joey Bosa, Edge: Bosa has already dealt with hand and back injuries this year and left the game against the Steelers after re-aggravating a hip injury. He will likely want to suit up if he can, but an extra week of rest might make more sense.
Joe Alt, Tackle: Though it seems Alt will be able to avoid surgery, he does have a sprained MCL that will cause him to miss some time, so it will be surprising if he plays against the Chiefs.
Rashawn Slater, Tackle: A pectoral issue is bothering the Chargers' starting left tackle, so it's quite possible the team will be without both of its starting tackles against the Chiefs.
Bye week comes at the right time for ailing Chargers
The Chargers couldn't be facing a worse opponent in Week 4 than the Chiefs. It was a great chance to send an early-season message to the defending AFC West and Super Bowl champs but that will be tough to do if four of the best players on the roster aren't available.
The Chargers will need to use that bye week to get these players back to full health or at the least, much closer to it, without playing a game and this will be the perfect time to do that. It could help the team feel less compelled to rush them back onto the field.
The team does not want to throw in the towel against the Chiefs but if Taylor Heinicke is forced to start with backups at each tackle spot, good luck.
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