Los Angeles Chargers injury report and impact vs. Houston Texans

The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a loss that fans would like to forget against the Detroit Lions, and they also left with a few new injuries. As the challenges mount, different players will need to be up to the challenge to beat the Houston Texans.

Below are the injuries the Chargers must overcome in week three, along with the plan they will likely employ to overcome each loss.

Chargers Injuries

Mike Pouncey, Center – No Injury Designation (Shoulder)

On Wednesday, Pouncey surprisingly missed practice with a shoulder injury, but he appears ready to go for the game on Sunday. However, without knowing the extent of his injury, it is worth monitoring his status during the game.

If he needs to be replaced during the game, it is possible that he is replaced by either Scott Quessenberry (his direct backup on the depth chart) or Dan Feeney, with Forest Lamp taking Feeney’s place at left guard.

Whoever plays at center will face a tall task, as Houston’s nose tackle, D. J. Reader, has a high grade from PFF of 84.2 through two weeks.

If a backup center needs help from one of the guards to plug the A-gap, then it could leave one-on-one opportunities for Houston’s edge rushers. Thus, Pouncey’s presence is vitally important in this game.

Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver – No Injury Designation (Knee)

Allen appears to be okay and should play against the Texans, but his status is worth monitoring during the game. He had a massive impact in the second game, as he consistently beat standout corner Darius Slay until an interception sealed the game.

If Allen’s injury flares up, expect Dontrelle Inman to see an uptick in snaps and Virgil Green to become more of an option in the passing game.

Hunter Henry, Tight End – Out (Knee)

Again, Henry’s presence will be missed, especially against an exploitable Houston second level. If healthy, expect large doses of Allen in the middle of the field again.

The Chargers signed Lance Kendricks, a primarily blocking tight end, to make up for the absence of Henry. This was a somewhat peculiar move with similarly solid-blocking Virgil Green already on the roster. Perhaps this is a sign that the Chargers are planning to use Green more in the passing game, something he has had few opportunities to do in his career.