As part of their Week 6 roster moves for Sunday's game vs. the Dolphins, the Chargers placed DT Da'Shawn Hand on IR. He left last week's loss vs. the Commanders with a groin injury and did not return.
It's another hit for a Chargers team that keeps having to put players on injured reserve. They now have seven players on designated for return IR: DT Da'Shawn Hand, EDGE Khalil Mack, CB Deane Leonard, CB Eric Rogers, RB Omarion Hampton, LS Josh Harris, and LB Denzel Perryman.
That's in addition to three players that are already on season-ending IR. LB Junior Colson, RB Najee Harris, and OT Rashawn Slater have unfortunately already had their 2025 Chargers campaigns ended.
The Chargers are not only running low on available players, but are also in trouble with roster and IR flexibility.
The Chargers have used seven of their eight designated to return IR spots. There is some light at the end of the tunnel as LB Denzel Perryman and EDGE Khalil Mack could be available to return soon. However, they don't get designated to return IR spots back when players come off of injured reserve. That means that between now and the end of the regular season, the Chargers can add just one more player to designated return IR.
The Chargers are already feeling the impacts of being up against the IR limit on their active roster. The team opted to not place Joe Alt on designated to return IR despite a high ankle sprain. WR Derius Davis has remained on the main roster despite three straight practice weeks with all DNPs.
If they were to make the playoffs, the Chargers would get some relief for their precarious position. Playoff teams are given two more designated for return IR spots, which would create a total of 10 for regular season and postseason. But Los Angeles obviously has to get to the dance first, which could prove difficult if their injury attrition continues to increase.
The Chargers will try to grind out a win against the Dolphins on Sunday despite being short-handed. Kickoff from Hard Rock Stadium is set for 10 AM PT.