Chargers Week 13 injury report: Key players questionable for both teams

Chargers’ opponents’ injuries

Ja’Wuan James, Offensive Tackle – Questionable (Knee)

James has been dealing with a knee injury for weeks and has only played 32 snaps at offensive tackle despite being a highly-paid addition to the Broncos roster this year. Elijah Wilkinson has been a decent replacement this season, but he is clearly out of place from his usual spot as a guard.

It is unclear if James will play this week, as this is his third week being cleared to practice, yet he has not played thus far. His presence could make a huge difference for the Broncos’ presumed first-time starter, Drew Lock, as pass protection has been a weak point for Wilkinson.

Shelby Harris, Nose Tackle – Questionable (Ankle)

Shelby Harris has been an excellent defender this season for the Broncos, compiling an 83.3 grade from PFF on the season, with 28 solo tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble.

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1196146654040252417

Harris is an incredible interior force for the Broncos, and his presence would pose huge challenges for the Chargers’ interior linemen. Harris would likely command a double team over the course of the game, so his presence could make a huge difference against a relatively weak Chargers line.

Alexander Johnson, Linebacker – Questionable (Knee)

Alexander Johnson has only started seven games for the Broncos this year, and he has only played in one other game before this year. However, according to PFF, he has been the NFL’s best inside linebacker in 2019. He has an elite 91.3 grade.

Former Vols linebacker Alexander Johnson put on a show against the Titans today. Johnson led the Broncos with 9 tackles to go with 1.5 sacks, 1 TFL and 2 QB hits. #Vols pic.twitter.com/ixRnDom6do

— Marshall Hughes (@marshallhughes) October 13, 2019

Johnson has been excellent in all phases of the game – as a rusher, run-stopper, and in coverage. The Chargers might need to gameplan to avoid Johnson, who may be able to effectively limit the Chargers running game or slow down Hunter Henry. The Chargers would be lucky to avoid Johnson in this game.

Von Miller, Outside Linebacker – Questionable (Knee)

Pass-rushing phenom, Von Miller, is another Broncos’ star that is questionable for the game, as he missed the first two practices of the week before participating in the final practice of the week on a limited basis.

While Miller has not had his best season, he is still the Broncos’ leader in sacks with seven and clearly has the same talent that he always had. If he is present, the Chargers will need to spare a tight end or running back to help the offensive tackle tasked with blocking Miller.