It is hard to find a team in the NFL that has dealt with as many substantial injuries as the LA Chargers. The injuries were so bad last season that it prompted the team to completely switch up the medical staff, hiring a new head athletic trainer in the process.
The injuries have not been as bad as last season but the Bolts certainly haven't had a clean bill of health. Mike Williams is out for the season after tearing his ACL in Week 3 while Joey Bosa (and others) have been dealing with lingering injuries. Even Justin Herbert has another injury as he hurt his middle finger on his non-throwing hand in Week 4.
The Chargers injury curse is a very real thing and unfortunately, it has already caught up to the team's newest addition. In just his first practice with the team, new safety Jaylinn Hawkins suffered an injury and had to be carted off the practice field.
Jaylinn Hawkins just got carted off the practice field. He got here this morning after #Chargers claimed him off waivers.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 19, 2023
Chargers injury curse instantly hits Jaylinn Hawkins
Any non-believers should definitely believe in the Chargers injury curse now. While Hawkins was not going to reinvent the Chargers' defense, he certainly was going to be a positive addition that made the team better.
The severity and type of injury is still unknown but it does not look promising that Hawkins had to be carted off the field. His Chargers debut will be delayed if he ever even has a Chargers debut.
The Bolts are now going to have to scramble at the safety position yet again. Los Angeles claimed Hawkins as a response to Raheem Layne tearing his ACL in Week 6's loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Layne was filling in for an already-thin safety room that has JT Woods on the IR and Alohi Gilman dealing with a heel injury.
Derwin James also has missed time with injuries this season, although he returned in Week 6 against the Cowboys. Thankfully, Dean Marlowe has stepped up and played very well but the position is drastically thin heading into Week 7. If Gilman cannot suit up then James and Marlowe are going to be the team's only two safety options.
As a result, the Chargers may look to elevate 2021 seventh-round pick Mark Webb Jr. from the practice squad.