Chargers' Odafe Oweh trade raises Khalil Mack red flag

The Los Angeles Chargers recently acquired veteran edge defender Odafe Oweh, and that left fans asking questions about Khalil Mack.
August 23, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
August 23, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Chargers acquired Odafe Oweh from the Baltimore Ravens by sending veteran safety Alohi Gilman to Baltimore, while also swapping some late-round picks. On the surface, it’s a good trade for L.A.; the team addresses a need by moving a player from a position group it has good depth in. Beneath the surface, though, the trade led to fans asking questions about one of the team’s top stars.

The star in question is Khalil Mack, who plays the same position as the recently acquired Oweh. Of course the two could be great together, but since Mack has been sidelined since sustaining an injury in Week 2, fans are worried this trade could be a sign that his return may not be near.

Chargers fans are concerned about Khalil Mack’s health after team acquires Odafe Oweh

In Los Angeles’ Week 2 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Mack dislocated his elbow. It was reported that he avoided a worst-case scenario — a season ending injury — and would miss just a few weeks. The injury did land him on injured reserve, though, sidelining him for at least four weeks. The star edge defender has missed the last three games, and is also required to miss Sunday’s Week 6 game against the Miami Dolphins.

He’ll be eligible to return after that, but it’s unclear where he is in his recovery process. Could Odafe Oweh have been brought in to help the Chargers survive without Mack for longer than expected? Possibly. However, Los Angeles could also just be covering its bases, taking whatever opportunity it can to improve the roster. The Chargers had a clear need for edge help, and Oweh will address that need.

Fans will soon get a update on where Mack is in his recovery, but whenever he’s back on he field, he’ll have another pass rusher on the field helping him get after quarterbacks.

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