The LA Chargers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15 with several compelling injury storylines to watch. Quarterback Justin Herbert suffered an ankle sprain against the Kansas City Chiefs but returned to practice on Thursday and seems on track to play.
If Herbert plays the hope is that his No. 1 receiver, Ladd McConkey, can also suit up. McConkey was inactive against the Chiefs with a shoulder and knee injury but has been practicing ahead of the Tampa Bay game.
The Buccaneers are dealing with injury storylines of their own and while their starting quarterback is fine, there are prominent players throughout the roster who may or may not suit up. Among the highlights are All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who has been ruled out, and breakout running back Bucky Irving, who is officially questionable.
Bowles says Winfield, Edwards and Britt are ruled out. Irving and Izien are both questionable.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) December 13, 2024
Buccaneers rule three players out ahead of matchup vs. Chargers
Joining Winfield is fellow safety Mike Edwards and linebacker K.J. Britt. While neither are as impactful as Winfield, both omissions will have a negative impact on an already shaky Buccaneers defense.
Tampa Bay ranks 28th in the league in total yards allowed and 30th in the league in passing yards allowed. Those numbers are not going to get better without the trio of injured defensive players, opening the door for the Chargers to potentially have a big offensive day.
Herbert has had moments of elite play this season but he has not had that vintage Herbert performance from the first through the fourth quarter. If there was ever a game for Herbert to turn in that kind of showing it is against a shorthanded Bucs defense that already struggles.
Plus, the Chargers may need Herbert slinging the ball around the field with Tampa Bay's dangerous offense. The Chargers have the best scoring defense in the league but have shown cracks against offenses that have as many weapons as the Bucs have.
Rookie Bucky Irving has emerged as one of the most important weapons on offense and his status could be the difference between this being a close game and being a one-sided contest for the Chargers. Irving was questionable leading into last week with a back/hip injury that he aggravated against the Raiders.
If he sits out then Rachaad White will take the bulk of the work out of the backfield. While he is a big name, White has not had the same juice this season as Irving.