The LA Chargers are coming off the biggest win of the season over the Cincinnati Bengals and have an even bigger matchup ahead, yet again on primetime, against the Baltimore Ravens. The "Harbaugh Bowl" is one of the most anticipated regular-season games in the NFL this season and is sure to create fireworks on Monday Night Football.
Unfortunately for the Chargers, they might be heading into Monday's game with a limited supporting cast. While the team has more overall health than earlier this year, the Bolts may be without several key players against the Ravens.
The Chargers listed Ladd McConkey, Cam Hart, Denzel Perryman and AJ Finley as DNPs on Thursday's injury report. Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Derwin James, Bud Dupree and Trey Pipkins were all listed as limited. Los Angeles did not practice on Thursday, so the designations are estimates.
thursday’s #BALvsLAC injury report pic.twitter.com/RYaTbuIzIh
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 21, 2024
First Chargers injury report vs. Ravens is concerning
With no real practice it is impossible to know how much of this is 100% truthful and how much of it is the Chargers playing the misdirect game. Plus, the Chargers have been fairly conservative with their practice designations this season, so someone being limited isn't necessarily a tell-tale sign they won't play.
That being said, there are several players who have an uphill battle for Week 12. Hart and Perryman both seem like they are destined to be out, which represents two massive losses for Jesse Minter's defense against the Ravens.
It is also hard to gauge where Mack is in his recovery process. Mack missed Week 11's game against the Cincinnati Bengals but was a game-time decision. With a long season ahead, the Chargers could play it cautiously and give Mack one more week of rest.
Most notable, though, is McConkey. McConkey has blossomed into Justin Herbert's No. 1 target in the passing offense to the point where Herbert is going to him often with the game on the line. The Chargers will really struggle to move the ball without McConkey, even against a Baltimore defense that is among the worst is passing yards allowed per game.
McConkey hurt his shoulder early in Week 11 against the Bengals and returned to the game, so there is a reason to be optimistic around him suiting up against the Ravens. But if he doesn't, Herbert and the offense could be in for a long night on primetime.