As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for a pivotal AFC West clash against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, the final injury report paints a mixed picture. With playoff positioning on the line, every snap-and every available body-matters. Here's a breakdown of who's in, who's out, and what it all means for Sunday’s matchup.
Chargers Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Questionable:
- WR Quentin Johnston (Groin)
- LB Troy Dye (Hip)
Doubtful:
- OT Trey Pipkins III (Ankle)
- S Elijah Molden (Hamstring)
Out:
- WR Derius Davis (Ankle)
Let’s start with the most important news for Chargers fans: Justin Herbert is not listed with any injury designation. That’s a major sigh of relief.
He was limited in practice all week, but the absence of a game-day tag suggests he’s trending toward full health. For a team that lives and dies by Herbert’s arm, that’s huge.
Offensive Line Concerns
The offensive front, however, isn’t coming in at full strength. Starting right tackle Trey Pipkins III is listed as doubtful with an ankle injury and hasn’t practiced all week.
At 6’6” and 307 pounds, Pipkins is a key piece in keeping Herbert upright, especially against a Chiefs pass rush that can heat up in a hurry. If he can’t go-and signs point that way-the Chargers will need to shuffle their protection scheme, likely leaning on backups or tight end help to slow down Kansas City’s edge pressure.
Secondary Shuffle
On the defensive side, Elijah Molden is also doubtful with a hamstring injury and hasn’t logged a practice rep this week. That’s a hit to the Chargers’ depth in the secondary, particularly in nickel and dime packages.
To adjust, the team elevated veteran safety Marcus Williams, who joins a group that includes Derwin James, Tony Jefferson, and rookie R.J. Mickens.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter likes to deploy three-safety sets, so Williams’ activation ensures the Chargers can still roll out those looks without compromising versatility or communication on the back end.
Special Teams Takes a Hit
The loss of Derius Davis-ruled out with an ankle injury-is more than just a blow to the wide receiver room. Davis has been the Chargers’ go-to guy in the return game, handling both punts and kicks. His early exit last week against the Eagles left a noticeable void in field position battles.
To fill that gap, the Chargers are going with a committee approach. Expect to see Ladd McConkey, Kimani Vidal, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith rotating through return duties. None of them are full-time returners, but each brings a different skill set-McConkey’s vision, Vidal’s burst, Lambert-Smith’s elusiveness.
Adding another wrinkle, the Chargers elevated undrafted rookie Dalevon Campbell from the practice squad. At 6’4” and 220 pounds, Campbell is built like a prototypical X receiver and brings a vertical element to the offense.
He’s raw, but he’s fast and physical-exactly the kind of player who could sneak behind a defense for a big play if he gets the opportunity. Don’t be surprised if the Chargers dial up a shot play to him early, especially if they’re looking to stretch the field and keep the Chiefs’ secondary honest.
Final Thoughts
While the Chargers aren’t at full strength heading into Arrowhead, the most important piece-Justin Herbert-is ready to go. That alone gives them a fighting chance in what’s always a tough environment.
The offensive line and special teams units will be tested, and the defense will need to adapt without Molden in the rotation. But this is a team that’s shown resilience all season.
With the Chiefs trying to claw their way back into the playoff picture, and the Chargers looking to maintain momentum, this one has all the makings of a classic AFC West showdown. Buckle up.