The Chargers are facing a handful of injuries through the preseason thus far, but it’s nothing compared to the adversity faced in 2014.
The Chargers have a number of notable injuries so far, particularly the loss of both Russell Okung and Derwin James for an extended period of time. Fans bemoan the absence of some of the team’s key players, and rightfully so; however, it could be worse.
2014 saw the San Diego Chargers beat down the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks at home, as well as the greatest comeback in team history in San Francisco. It also saw some of the worst injury luck fans have ever seen the Chargers have, with a number of high-profile starters going down nearly every week.
Notable players who were put on injured reserve or were unable to play in the final game of the season were:
- Jeromey Clary (G/T)
- Marcus Cromartie (CB)
- Kwame Geathers (NT)
- Nick Hardwick (C)
- Melvin Ingram (DE/OLB)
- Jason Verrett (CB)
- Danny Woodhead (RB)
- Keenan Allen (WR)
- Rich Ohrnberger (G/C)
- Donald Butler (LB)
- Mike Scifres (P)
- Ryan Mathews (RB)
By Week 17, none of those players were available for the Chargers to use. That’s today’s equivalent (though talent differs ) of losing Forrest Lamp, Mike Pouncey, Ingram (again), Austin Ekeler, Allen (again), Michael Schofield, Ty Long, Denzel Perryman, Justin Jackson, and Casey Hayward, all of which were unable to play in at least the team’s final game of the season. It’s no wonder the team scored just seven points in its potential playoff-clincher in Kansas City.
So, while missing both James and Okung (as well as uncertainty among other players) will be tough, it could always be much, much worse. Here’s to hoping the team can recover and make a playoff push, rather than falter down the line and lose every imaginable player as they did in 2014.