The Chargers held their first full practice of the week Thursday with some positive news. Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins participated in practice in limited fashion. Their statuses for Thursday's game remain up in the air, but Alt told ESPN's Kris Rhim that he is planning on playing vs. Minnesota.
At the very least, the offensive line should get some type of boost this week even if it's only one of and not both of Alt/Pipkins back. Alt had his ankle taped up while Pipkins wore a pretty hefty knee brace at practice.
The Chargers are fighting through injuries throughout the rest of the roster as well
Jim Harbaugh said that Alt was doing "anything and everything" in order to play on Thursday. However, he also confirmed that it would be a longshot for RB Hassan Haskins to play this week. Harbaugh said Haskins will be listed as doubtful for Thursday's game. He's listed with two DNPs this week for a hamstring injury.
As the Chargers prepare to face the Vikings, they won't have RB1, 2, or 3 from their opening day depth chart of Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, and the aforementioned Haskins. This level of attrition almost unheard of. The Chargers signed running backTrayveon Williams to the practice squad today as Kimani Vidal is in line for another start.
The Chargers also lost more depth along the defensive line today. Defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia (elbow) was placed on IR following an injury during Sunday's loss to Indianapolis.
Both Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter have suggested that fullback Scott Matlock could pull double duty along the defensive line due to the injuries. Matlock has not played defensive snaps since the Houston playoff game.
Limited participants in practice on Tuesday included left tackle Joe Alt, right tackle Trey Pipkins III, safety Elijah Molden, linebacker Troy Dye and tackle Austin Deculus.
Haskins, as mentioned earlier, did not practice. Defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell was also added into the DNP category with an illness. Offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer and EDGE Kyle Kennard were full participants.