The Chargers are heading into Week 2 with a lineup that already looks different from the one they rolled out in Week 1. Injuries are forcing changes on both sides of the ball, and against the Raiders, Los Angeles will have to sort through a reshuffled group while trying to clean up a defense that gave up too many easy first downs early against the Cardinals.
At quarterback, it’s Justin Herbert, with Omarion Hampton at running back and Alec Ingold at fullback. The passing game will feature Charlie Kolar at tight end, Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris at wide receiver, and a line anchored by Rashawn Slater at left tackle, Kayode Awosika at left guard, Jake Slaughter at center, Cole Strange at right guard, and Joe Alt at right tackle.
Ladd McConkey may still be available, but if he does suit up, he’s expected to be limited after hurting his ribs in Week 1. He didn’t practice until Friday and is officially questionable. That leaves Johnston and Harris as the likeliest starters in two-receiver sets.
Even with those two in the top spots, the Chargers should keep rotating bodies at receiver. Rookie Brenen Thompson is in line for extra snaps after KeAndre Lambert-Smith was placed on injured reserve, and Thompson could also get a chance on a few deep shots if Mike McDaniel decides to challenge rookie free safety Treydan Stukes.
The offensive line has its own change, and this one may actually stabilize things. Los Angeles had rotated Trey Pipkins in at left guard alongside Kayode Awosika against the Cardinals, but the results were uneven, while Awosika clearly held up better. Pipkins is out with a knee injury and didn’t practice all week, and head coach Jim Harbaugh has already said Awosika will not rotate and will keep the job against the Raiders.
On defense, the Chargers are lining up with Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu off the edge, Teair Tart and either Dalvin Tomlinson or Jamaree Caldwell inside, Daiyan Henley and Del’Shawn Phillips at linebacker, Derwin James Jr. at nickelback, Tony Jefferson and Genesis Smith at safety, and Tarheeb Still plus Cam Hart at corner.
That back end is going to look different again because Elijah Molden has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Molden has dealt with lower-body issues during his time with the Chargers, and this is the latest setback. Jefferson is expected to start alongside rookie Genesis Smith.
The corner rotation from Week 1 may continue as well. Hart handled one-on-one duties against the Cardinals’ bigger receivers and could get a similar assignment against Raiders wideout Jack Bech if Bech lines up outside.
In Week 1, Bech spent more time in the slot without Brock Bowers available. Veteran Donte Jackson, meanwhile, is another player who needs a stronger showing.
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Raiders Could Catch Chargers At The Perfect Time Up Front
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For Las Vegas, that makes this a matchup worth watching closely. A front that is still trying to find its footing can be vulnerable if the pass rush does not hold up and the offensive line keeps giving ground, which is exactly the kind of opening the Raiders would love to exploit while the Chargers are working to avoid an early-season hole. [Read more 🡒]
Raiders Young Talent Suddenly Carries Big Weight Against The Chargers
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For Las Vegas, the matchup is less about waiting for proven names to carry the load and more about whether emerging talent can hold up when the game plans get tighter. Tuckers speed, Hemingways interior work and Masses presence all sit at the center of that conversation, especially with the availability questions on both sidelines potentially opening doors in different spots. What the Raiders learn here could say a lot about how much trust they can place in that young group, and how quickly they need that trust to grow. [Read more 🡒]
Raiders Offense Has One Clear Way To Challenge The Chargers
With first-year coach Klint Kubiak trying to settle the offense into something sustainable, the Raiders head into their AFC West meeting with the Chargers leaning into a simple idea: take what the defense gives and keep the ball moving. Offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko has made it clear that the plan is built around controlling time of possession, a sensible approach for a group that is still searching for consistency in the passing game and does not have a deep threat it can lean on right now.
So the Raiders are likely to keep the emphasis on the run game and on playmakers who can do damage after the catch, hoping that style can stress a Chargers defense in a different way. There is also the added intrigue of whether Fernando Mendoza might eventually be in line to start, but for now Las Vegas is preparing to win by staying patient, avoiding wasted possessions and forcing the game to be played on its terms. [Read more 🡒]