The Chargers are coming off an overtime 19-16 victory over the Denver Broncos, but not without some injuries.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley met with the media on Tuesday afternoon to go over the game, and here is the list of players that left injured.
Running back Joshua Kelley has an MCL strain and could be out anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Kelley was starting to build off a strong performance against Cleveland, rushing for 49 yards on ten carries and a touchdown.
So, who will take over for him during his absence?
“Isaiah and Larry (Rountree) will duke it out in practice this week,” Staley said. “We were kind of doing that last week, as well. I think one of those two guys will be going into the game. Special teams will factor into it, as well.”
That means that sixth-round draft pick from 2021, Larry Rountree, will be in the mix this week. He has had a rollercoaster of a career to start, similar to Kelley. Many thought Spiller would take the number two spot right away but still hasn’t established himself yet.
“Isaiah has been doing really well in practice, as I have told you guys,” Staley said. “Larry has, too. We’ll let those guys compete, and we’ll let you know at the end of the week.”
Staley announced that the hero of Monday Night’s game Dustin Hopkins will miss 2-4 weeks due to a hamstring injury he suffered. Hopkins is coming off a 4-for-4 field goal hitting night, including the game-winner in overtime.
That means practice squad kicker Taylor Bertolet will take his place while he returns. Bertolet was 3-for-3 against the Cleveland Browns and added three extra points. So, the team doesn’t have to look for a backup kicker.
Tight end Donald Parham is in concussion protocol, so they will ease him into the offense, but he will be missed. The former XFL tight end caught three passes for 53 yards against Denver.
“Always a concern,” Staley explained. “We were on top of it last night. We’ll make sure that we take our time. I think that we have the advantage of the bye week coming up here, and we’ll make sure that we take full advantage of whatever time frame is needed for him to feel his best.”
Lastly, Chargers center Corey Linsley missed Monday night’s game with food poisoning. He was missed all night, but he was back on Tuesday.
“Corey is back in the building today,” Staley said. “He’s progressing well. He was able to get his hydration and diet where it needs to be. He got a little bit of a modified lift in this morning. We’ll work him back into practice this week.”
As for other roster spots, Chargers receiver Keenan Allen will be working his way this week to play on Sunday against Seattle. If so, what happens to Jalen Guyton’s spot that was originally taken by Jason Moore. Moore has yet to make a catch this season, while Michael Bandy has three catches for 54 yards.
Bandy can no longer be elevated because a team has three to use on one player during the season. The Chargers have used all three elevations on Bandy for the last three weeks. “We’ll be working through that this week, but we feel good about J-Moore and Bandy,” Staley said. “Those guys have stepped in and done a nice job for us. “
