Prior to the official release of the injury report, Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh came to his Wednesday media availability with rather good news on the injury front. CB Tarheeb Still, TE Oronde Gadsden II, QB Justin Herbert, and OT Bobby Hart were all expected to participate in practice. It would represent a step forward for Still and Hart after they missed the Pittsburgh game. With Herbert and Gadsden, it seems like both have avoided more serious injuries.
Harbaugh also announced that WR Keenan Allen, DT Teair Tart, EDGE Khalil Mack, and C Bradley Bozeman would have rest days on Wednesday.
The Chargers get some good news on the injury report before a huge AFC showdown with the Jaguars.
Gadsden ended up being a full participant in Wednesday's practice. That would put him well on track to starting Sunday's game vs. Jacksonville. Limited participants in practice included Still, Hart, Daiyan Henley, Quentin Johnston, and Ladd McConkey. The DNPs were all of the players taking a rest day as previously mentioned by Harbaugh. In a great turn for Chargers fans, Herbert isn't listed on the injury report at all.
It's important that the Chargers are at their healthiest for this game vs. the Jaguars. While the Chargers came closer to securing a playoff berth after their win against the Steelers on Sunday, the job is not finished. The Athletic's Upshot model has the Chargers at a 93% chance to make the playoffs if they beat Jacksonville. But that probability falls to just 69% if Los Angeles loses. Aaron Schatz tweeted that this week's matchup is the most important playoff determining game so far in the NFL this season with 71% combined leverage.
The Chargers specifically have specifically been a better passing offense when Gadsden has been on the field. While he didn't have the best game prior to his injury vs. Pittsburgh, he's a key stressor on opposing defenses that can unlock matchups for others. Hart potentially being back also gives the Chargers more options along the offensive line. Harbaugh also said that Penning would get more work at the LT spot this week.