The LA Chargers are looking for their first playoff win in six years on Saturday against the Houston Texans. Everything broke the Chargers' way down the stretch as the team got the first-round playoff matchup it was looking for against a vulnerable Texans team.
It turns out the Chargers may be vulnerable in the AFC Wild-Card Round as well.
The Chargers' second injury report of the week included some notable offensive players with concerning practice statuses. Wide receivers Joshua Palmers and Quentin Johnston both registered DNPs while running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, and offensive lineman Trey Pipkins, were all limited.
Chargers injury report. No practice for Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and Ja’Sir Taylor pic.twitter.com/62ERW1cL2n
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 8, 2025
Cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor also did not practice.
Chargers' injury report is not good for the offense against the Texans
The Chargers are already dealing with a weapons issue that is not made any better when two of the top three receivers do no practice. Palmer's absence was expected and the Chargers would be able to replace him if it was just him missing in the passing game.
Johnston also missing the game would be a blow for the offense. Johnston had a breakout game in Week 18 against the Las Vegas Raiders and is an important No. 2 when Palmer is out. If Johnston and Palmer were to both miss the game, the only starting wideout would be Ladd McConkey.
Gus Edwards has missed two games with his ankle injury while Dobbins just returned two games ago. The Chargers can live without Edwards as long as Dobbins is his usual self. Dobbins missing Wednesday's practice brings in doubt about him being 100% for Saturday's game.
Pipkins is easier to replace at right guard with Jamaree Salyer, especially with the Chargers dodging a bullet with Rashawn Slater's knee injury. However, it would still be unfortunate to lose offensive line depth ahead of the NFL Playoffs.
It is worth noting the Chargers had a modified practice due to the air quality from the ongoing Los Angeles fires. With Johnston also having an illness designation, the poor air quality may have played into him not practicing on Wednesday.
But if Johnston is dealing with an illness on Saturday he may not be able to produce much, even if he plays. That would put more of the burden on McConkey and the running game, which also could be compromised in some capacity.
Hopefully, Wednesday's injury report is just an example of the Chargers being overly cautious with key players ahead of Saturday's game. But if it is anything more than that, the Bolts could be in trouble.