The Los Angeles Chargers received a mix of encouraging and concerning injury updates heading into Sunday’s critical AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Quarterback Justin Herbert and wide receiver Ladd McConkey are both set to play without an injury designation.
But, offensive tackle Trey Pipkins III has been ruled out.
Additionally, questions remain around wide receiver Quentin Johnston after being added to the injury report on Friday with a groin injury.
Johnston has officially been listed as questionable.
Herbert, who has been managing a left-hand injury, practiced in a limited capacity throughout the week.
He was removed from the injury report entirely on Friday.
McConkey followed a similar path, logging three limited practices while dealing with a foot injury before being cleared to play.
But Chargers will be without several contributors, including Pipkins, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury after not practicing all week.
Injury Breakdown and What It Means
McConkey’s availability is a significant boost for a Chargers passing offense that struggled on Monday night against the Eagles.
Herbert only threw for 139 yards and Ladd only had one catch for 12 yards on five targets.
It will be important for Herbert and McConkey to get back on track.
Ladd has already shown he can produce against Kansas City, recording six catches for 74 yards on nine targets in the Week 1 meeting.
With Herbert cleared to play, LA retains its full quarterback-wide receiver connection at the top of the offense.
Johnston’s status is far less certain.
The receiver was added to the injury report Friday after being limited with a groin injury and is listed as questionable.
In his third season, Johnston has posted 42 catches for 533 yards and seven touchdowns.
He has emerged as a key red-zone target and deep play guy.
If he’s unable to go or is limited, the Chargers would need increased production from Keenan Allen, Tre’ Harris and Oronde Gadsden II.
McConkey’s role would also expand even further.
Up front, the loss of Pipkins looms large.
The Chargers are already without two of the best offensive tackles in football in Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater.
With Pipkins being out, fuel has just been added to the fire.
Since Alt’s season-ending injury, the Chargers have been one of the worst offensive lines in football.
On Monday, they gave up seven sacks to the Eagles.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Herbert was pressured on 68.3 percent of his dropbacks in that game.
Now the Chargers are forced to reshuffle their offensive line once again against a Chiefs defense that thrives on pressure.
Why Sunday’s Game Carries Major Weight
Sunday’s showdown with the Chiefs carries significant weight for both the AFC West race and the broader playoff picture.
The Chargers enter the weekend at 9-4, while Kansas City has struggled recently.
They have lost four of their last five games and a Chargers win would practically eliminate KC from playoff contention.
It would also boost their own chances at winning the division.
While the Chargers trail the Broncos by two games in the AFC West standings, they still have one head-to-head matchup remaining.
If the Broncos lose to the surging Packers on Sunday this weekend and the Chargers beat the Chiefs, the division is right there for the taking.
The Chargers currently sit at 78 percent playoff odds and a win would climb them to as high as 95 percent.
With Herbert and Ladd McConkey cleared to play, LA enters the weekend with its offensive core intact.
However, the potential absence of Quentin Johnston and the confirmed loss of Trey Pipkins III add a whole new challenge.
Chargers Get Mixed Injury News on Key Offensive Contributors Ahead of Chiefs Matchup