Chargers Week 10 Injury Report: Both teams down in secondary depth

Chargers’ Injuries Continued

Cortez Broughton, Defensive Tackle – Out (Illness)

Justin Jones, Defensive Tackle – Out (Shoulder)

Brandon Mebane, Nose Tackle – Questionable (Knee)

Yet again, without the starting duo of Justin Jones and Brandon Mebane, Damion Square, Jerry Tillery, and Sylvester Williams performed admirably. Square and Williams, in particular, have been outperforming expectations. They have actually made the defensive tackle position a disruptive spot for the Chargers, something that has not frequently happened since the days of Jamal Williams.

Mebane could return to action after being a limited participant all week. While Gus Bradley should be careful not to cut into the snaps of the high-performing Square, it would be nice to have an extra big man to fight against the Raiders’ strong rushing attack headed by Josh Jacobs.

Denzel Perryman, Linebacker – Questionable (Knee)

While Perryman has been dealing with minor injuries for weeks, he was unable to participate in a single practice this week.

While Perryman has been somewhat underperforming this year, he has still been very effective against the run (the Raiders’ strong suit). However, the use of more versatile linebackers such as Drue Tranquill could help defend against Raiders’ tight end Darren Waller. Without Perryman, Thomas Davis is more likely to be the linebacker assigned to defend the run, while Tranquill and others will be more likely to drop back into coverage.

Roderic Teamer, Safety – Doubtful (Groin)

With Teamer missing last week’s game, it was somewhat up in the air who would take his place. Jaylen Watkins definitively answered that question by playing every snap but one (due to a minor injury).

Furthermore, Watkins played well and finished second on the team in tackles last week. However, Watkins and Rayshawn Jenkins now represent the only two safeties left on the roster. The Chargers are incredibly thin at safety, and any injury could drastically change the look of the defense, as Desmond King would likely be pushed to safety, causing one outside corner to play in the slot.

Thus, while the situation looks fine now, the health of the Chargers remaining safeties will be important to maintain throughout the game.

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