The Chargers are heading into their Week 3 matchup with Buffalo with most of the important names in place, but a few absences could still shape how Sunday plays out.
Los Angeles released its game statuses with two days left before kickoff, and the group set to suit up includes defensive backs Derwin James (finger/rest) and Deane Leonard (abdomen), outside linebackers Khalil Mack (rest) and Tuli Tuipulotu (hamstring), offensive linemen Cole Strange (pectoral) and Rashawn Slater (groin), and wide receiver Ladd McConkey (rib).
That’s a good sign for a roster that has managed to get several starters through the week and into position to play. The bigger concern comes from the players the Chargers ruled out, especially on the offensive line.
Trey Pipkins III (knee) and Kayode Awosika (fibula) will both miss the game, along with defensive back Elijah Molden (hamstring), defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring), wide receiver Brennan Thompson (quadricep), and tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm).
The loss of Pipkins and Awosika means Trevor Penning is in line to start, and how he handles that assignment could have a major say in the outcome. Los Angeles will need him to hold up in protection and help open space in the run game if the offense is going to function cleanly.
The Chargers also listed quarterback Trey Lance (groin) and defensive back Rodney Shelley (hamstring) as questionable. If Lance can’t go, the backup situation behind Justin Herbert becomes another part of the equation to watch.
Defensively, Tomlinson’s absence puts more pressure on Nick Barrett and Justin Eboigbe to absorb those snaps and keep the middle steady. And with Kolar out - plus David Njoku already on IR - the Chargers will be asking tight ends Oronde Gadsden and Hayden Rucci to do heavy lifting as blockers while still contributing in the passing game.
So while Los Angeles isn’t walking into this one at full strength, the Chargers are still in decent shape overall. If enough of those replacement pieces answer the call, they’ll have a chance to go on the road and beat the Bills for their first win of the season.
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