Chargers’ depth tested early with injuries and illnesses piling up
It wouldn’t be a Chargers’ season (or offseason) without the Bolts fighting through some injuries. Here’s where things currently stand following the scrimmage and Monday’s practice with new updates:
An illness did spread throughout the building this week. Joey Bosa, Gerald Everett, Quentin Johnston, and Rashawn Slater missed the scrimmage because of it. Slater, Everett, and Bosa are back at Chargers’ practice today.
J.C. Jackson has experienced general soreness from his knee surgery recovery and also sat out the scrimmage. He was also back at practice on Tuesday.
Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day and kicker Dustin Hopkins remain sidelined. In his post-scrimmage presser, head coach Brandon Staley said that Joseph-Day is dealing with a “quad contusion.” No timeline has been revealed, although the Chargers’ initial statement said he’d miss “some time.” Hopkins’ injury is undisclosed, but he is said to be working his way back.
Trey Pipkins has been dealing with a leg injury throughout training camp that held him to be a limited participant at the scrimmage. Offensive line depth pieces like Nic Melsop and Zack Bailey have also fought through injuries. Melsop was seen on crutches during Sunday’s scrimmage.
Jalen Guyton, Austin Johnson, and Otito Ogbonnia remain on the PUP list with no projected return dates.
Joseph-Day’s injury, in particular, complicates things for the Chargers, with Johnson and Ogbonnia currently on PUP. As a result, rookie defensive tackle Scott Matlock has been getting reps with the first team. Christopher Hinton has also seen his role expanded.
