Chargers Week 8 injury impact: Bears carry incredible injury advantage

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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers catches a pass in the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /

Chargers’ Opponent’s Injuries

Kyle Long, Guard – Out, IR (Hip)

Long, who has dealt with a nagging hip injury, was placed on IR by the Bears a few weeks ago. In his place, Ted Larsen has not performed well, earning a 42.0 grade from PFF on the year.

This game could be an opportunity for Jerry Tillery to break out, with high snaps against a sub-par NFL guard. However, Gus Bradley may also choose to get creative, especially on passing downs, where he could field a defensive line with one of the trio of Bosa, Nwosu, and Ingram on the interior of the line to take advantage of a poor player on the Bears’ offensive line.

Akiem Hicks, Defensive Tackle – Out, IR (Elbow)

Bilal Nichols, Defensive Tackle – Questionable (Knee)

The other major injury break that the Chargers will get from the Bears is a recent injury to Hicks, who was placed on IR last week. While Hicks is a talented player on the interior of the Bears’ defensive line, his backup, Nichols is also questionable for this game.

With these injuries, the Chargers’ struggling Feeney will stand a better chance at a bounce-back game, while Quessenberry will get a better chance to get accustomed to starting duties.

Injury Impact Report

Bears Injury Impact: 3

With just two significant players on IR and one player marked questionable in Week 8, the Bears are incredibly healthy at this point in the year.

However, the two players on injured reserve could matter in this game. The Bears’ weakness at guard is exploitable, while their weakness in the interior of the defensive line helps mask a major deficiency in the Chargers’ offensive line.

Los Angeles Chargers Injury Impact: 8

The Chargers’ offensive line is in increasingly poor shape, although the line could slightly improve this week as Okung makes a limited return to action. Still, this weakness will be exploited by the Bears’ great edge-rushing duo of Mack and Floyd.

Also, the offense should be extremely concerned about Allen’s possible absence. Without Allen, the offense would be heavily impaired, as Rivers would lose his only receiver with great ability to create separation from defenders.

In a game where points will be at a premium, the Chargers will need all of the offense they can get. Unfortunately, much of the offense is hurt. Some creativity and quick-release passes may be needed for the Chargers to get the win this week.

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