Chargers Week 17 Injury Report: Trey Pipkins to start

This Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers will give fans one last chance to witness Chargers football until August 2020. Will injuries allow them a good chance to end their disappointing season with a win?

The Chargers will face the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday in their last competition until the 2020 season.

While the Chargers’ season will end on Sunday, the Chiefs have plenty to play for with a first-round playoff bye still available. Thus, the Chiefs will come out with their starters, playing at their best to beat their division rival.

So, the only limitations on these teams will be injuries. Below are the injuries that could impact the outcome of this divisional matchup between the Chiefs and Chargers.

Chargers injuries

Russell Okung, Offensive Tackle – Out (Groin)

Unfortunately, Russell Okung’s injury-plagued year will end with him off the field due to a groin injury.

While clearly a negative for the Chargers chances to win this game, a positive of this injury is that the inexperienced offensive tackle, Trey Pipkins, will get more reps. While Pipkins has not been great in his limited snaps this year, he has played decently with a 62.7 grade from PFF. Pipkins will be tested in pass protection against talented Chiefs’ rusher Frank Clark and (possibly) new addition, Terrell Suggs.

Important players on IR: Mike Pouncey, Forrest Lamp

Chiefs injuries

Andrew Wylie, Offensive Guard – Questionable (Ankle)

Cam Erving, Offensive Tackle – Questionable (Illness)

Against the Chargers, the Chiefs could potentially be missing two offensive linemen, including a starter (Andrew Wylie) and a backup (Cam Erving).

If both players are unable to play, that would heavily damage the depth on the Chiefs’ offensive line. However, the absence of either player alone should not be too impactful without other injuries. Wylie’s backup, Stefan Wisniewski, is an experienced and effective NFL veteran, and Erving is the backup to Eric Fisher.

Xavier Williams, Defensive Tackle – Questionable (Ankle)

Williams was recently activated from IR to replace an injured Spencer Ware. Before his injury, Williams was frequently rotated in as defensive tackle depth, so his addition could allow the Chiefs’ defensive tackles to be fresher if he is available.

Morris Claiborne, Cornerback – Out (Shoulder)

Claiborne, who will not play this week, is a depth corner for the Chiefs. While he has been used this year, the Chiefs also have another emerging cornerback at a depth position in Reshad Fenton. Claiborne’s absence should not be a major factor in this game.

Injury impact analysis

Kansas City Chiefs Injury Impact: 3

While the Chiefs have four players listed on the injury report, only one player is a starter, and that player has a strong backup behind him. While the potential lack of depth on the offensive line could be concerning, there is no reason that the Chiefs’ injuries should significantly limit their gameplan.

Los Angeles Chargers Injury Impact: 4

While the Chargers only have one major injury, it is to a player that the entire Chargers’ offense has struggled without. However, in the long term, extra snaps for Pipkins will be useful as long as Okung’s injury is insignificant.

For this week, the Chargers will face a tough test against the Chiefs without much help from the injury report. Hopefully, the Chargers can end the season on a high note with an eye toward the future of the team.

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