Chargers Week 9 injury impact: Packers star on brink of returning

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 08: Running back Justin Jackson #22 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes the football during the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 17-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 08: Running back Justin Jackson #22 of the Los Angeles Chargers rushes the football during the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 17-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos runs as he is chased by Roderic Teamer #36 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter in a 20-13 Broncos win at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos runs as he is chased by Roderic Teamer #36 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter in a 20-13 Broncos win at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Chargers’ injuries: Continued

Roderic Teamer, Safety – Doubtful (Groin)

After several poor performances when the undrafted rookie was pushed into the starting lineup, Teamer has developed into a more consistent backup-level safety. With Teamer doubtful, the secondary becomes thin, as Jaylen Watkins will be pressed into starting duties as the only backup safety remaining on the roster.

The Packers have a good deep threat in Marques Valdes-Scantling as well as potentially a top-tier all-around receiver in Davante Adams. Thus, the deep secondary will be important against the Packers.

Unfortunately, this deficiency will be a hard one for Gus Bradley to game plan around. If he employs more deep zone, the Packers could gash the Chargers’ defense with the run. There may be no choice but to trust Watkins deep at times, so fans should carefully monitor his performance throughout this game.

Nasir Adderley, Safety – Out, IR (Hamstring)

Unfortunately, it is now certain that Nasir Adderley will be taking a “redshirt year” in his rookie season, as he is out for the season with his hamstring injury.

While this has little impact on the present for the team, this injury is certainly a concern for the future, as Adderley was consistently injured this year and did not ever threaten to break into the lineup when healthy.

Important Players on IR: Mike Pouncey, Forrest Lamp, Adrian Phillips, Derwin James

Schedule