Chargers week 11 injury report: Backup offensive tackles catch a break

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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Wide receiver Chris Conley #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches the ball for the first down in the third quarter against cornerback Trevor Williams #24 of the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 9, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Chargers: Opponent injuries

Damien Williams, Running Back – Questionable (Not injury related)

Damien Williams has missed the last two practices of the week with an excused absence. Coach Andy Reid announced that Williams is expected to travel with the team to Mexico, so it seems likely that he will be available for the Chiefs on Monday night. If absent, the Chiefs will be able to replace Williams with LeSean McCoy and Darrel Williams.

Martinas Rankin, Offensive Guard – Out, IR (Knee)

Unfortunately, Martinas Rankin saw his season come to an end last week with a knee injury. While Rankin was playing well, the Chiefs will have experienced options to replace him with both Andrew Wylie and Stefen Wisniewski as experienced backups.

Blake Bell, Tight End – Out (Ankle)

Bell has been used sparingly by the Chiefs this season, and his absence should not significantly impact the gameplan. Second-year tight end, Deon Yelder, will be the one used in two-tight-end sets against the Chargers.

Emmanuel Ogbah, Defensive End – Out (Pec)

Alex Okafor, Defensive End – Out (Ankle)

Breeland Speaks, Linebacker – Out, IR (Knee)

While the Chargers are facing significant injuries at offensive tackle, the Chiefs are missing several edge rushers that could exploit this weakness. In Emmanuel Ogbah and Alex Okafor, the Chiefs will be missing players who are responsible for 8.5 sacks on the season. Furthermore, the Chiefs lost promising second-year player Breeland Speaks in the preseason with a knee injury.

For the Chiefs, this means that they will likely need unique blitzes to get to Rivers. For the Chargers, this means that the offense will be able to focus on stopping the Chiefs’ only remaining strong edge rusher – Frank Clark. In a game in which Pipkins and Scott will be forced to start, this is a huge break for the Chargers.

Kendall Fuller, Cornerback – Questionable (Thumb)

Kendall Fuller spent most of the week going through full practices but was downgraded to limited participation on Friday. Fuller, the Chiefs slot corner, has performed well this year and, if available, would likely spend a good amount of time in coverage against Keenan Allen on Monday.

Fuller’s backup is Reshad Fenton. While Fenton has performed well in limited time this year, the Chargers would love the chance to exploit an Allen versus Fenton mismatch.