Chargers RB Keaton Mitchell has been the key injury storyline to watch for entering Week 1 vs. Arizona. Mitchell missed the final preseason game vs. the 49ers and all of Los Angeles' Week 0 practices. GM Joe Hortiz had said that he was working through something, but that IR was not a consideration unlike other players. But it was still up in the air as to whether or not he'd play vs. the Cardinals.
But the Chargers now have a positive update on Mitchell. For the first time since his preseason setback, he returned to practice on Monday. While practice and injury reports won't drop until Wednesday, it's now safe to assume Mitchell has made some progress in his undisclosed injury recovery.
The Chargers get RB Keaton Mitchell and WR Brenen Thompson back in the fold for OC Mike McDaniel's explosive offense.
In addition to Mitchell, WR Brenen Thompson returned to practice. The Chargers have built their offense around speed this offseason. That's been OC Mike McDaniel's bread and butter for years. With both speedsters back on the field, the Arizona game might serve as a true showcase for the explosive potential of Los Angeles' offense.
From a running back depth standpoint, Mitchell being back in the fold is good news. Omarion Hampton projects to be the bellcow, but a healthy Mitchell creates explosive plays. On designed runs that went for 15+ yards last season, Mitchell created the second highest percentage of explosives to Miami's De'Von Achane (46.1% to 46.0%). The former Ravens running back will obviously have less volume than Achane, but McDaniel will still make sure he has his fair share of touches. Kimani Vidal probably serves as the true rushing backup to Hampton (especially if there is an injury to RB1).
Thompson hauled in plenty of deep targets from QB Justin Herbert in training camp. It's a good sign for the Bolts' offense that he seems ready to go for his first game. Like Mitchell, he also missed the last preseason game vs. San Francisco. On 26 snaps of passing downs in the preseason, the Chargers gave Thompson eight targets. While they have yet to link up with Thompson on a deep ball in a real game yet, he figures to be involved in the team's offensive plans early.
All in all, it's good news so far from a health standpoint for the Chargers. We'll see how the team formally updates the statuses and injury designations for Thompson and Mitchell on Wednesday. But it seems to be full steam ahead towards Arizona on Sunday.
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