Chargers’ Injuries Continued
Justin Jones, Defensive Tackle – Out (Shoulder)
Cortez Broughton, Defensive Tackle – Out (Illness)
Brandon Mebane, Nose Tackle – Out (Knee)
Last week, the Chargers rushing defense held together decently without their two primary interior defensive linemen, as they held the Titans rushing attack to 97 yards and were even able to achieve a vital fourth-down run stop.
This week, the Bolts face the same challenge in the interior, but they have also now lost Cortez Broughton to a case of mono. Fortunately, the Bears are not known for their rushing attack.
Last week, the Bears only achieved 17 rushing yards against the New Orleans Saints, and their two lead running backs (Tarik Cohen and David Montgomery) are small players that are ineffective as power rushers. If the Chargers front can hold up against Derrick Henry, Cohen should not pose too much of an issue in the power running game.
Melvin Ingram III, Defensive End – Questionable (Hamstring)
After completing a limited practice each day of this week, Ingram appears to be getting closer to finding his way back on the field. Without Ingram, Joey Bosa has been playing fantastic football, while Uchenna Nwosu has filled in admirably.
Still, in the NFL, a team can never have too many edge rushers. Forcing turnovers by applying pressure to Mitchell Trubisky could be the key to a win this week, so if Ingram is available, he could be a high-impact player in this game.
Nasir Adderley, Safety – Out (Hamstring)
Nasir Adderley, who seems to be on track to have a lost season, will be missing this week again. While his absence should not factor into the gameplan, quotes from Chargers coaches regarding Adderley interestingly suggest that they believe Adderley should be playing.
It is not at such a point yet, but this has the potential to become a toxic management vs. player situation in the future if Adderley feels too pressured to play.
Gus Bradley on Nasir Adderley: "We're trying to be patient with him and have him come back. I think he's a guy that feels like he needs to be 100 percent. But he's going to have to learn that you might have to play at 90 or 85 in this league. So he's figuring that part out."
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 17, 2019
Michael Badgley, Kicker – Questionable (Knee)
While listed as questionable on Friday, Anthony Lynn has stated that Badgley will be out again this week. The Badgley groin situation has baffled fans and analysts alike for months now and continues to do so.
Why Badgley is out after logging three full practices this week is beyond comprehension, as is the Chargers insistence on keeping two kickers on the active roster. It seems that a move to the injured reserve list should have occurred weeks ago for Badgley, but it appears that his return should be coming soon and a resolution to this kicker situation may finally be reached.