Chargers injury report ahead of Raiders week 13 game is devastating

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

The LA Chargers emerged victoriously against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12 with a gutsy call to go for two and the win instead of taking the game to overtime. With the Bolts essentially needing 10 wins to get into the playoffs, games against lesser teams are absolutely must-win.

With two tough games against the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans on the horizon, the team's Week 13 game against the Las Vegas Raiders falls into this category. It is also a must-win for the Raiders, who essentially need to win out to have a chance of being a playoff team.

The Chargers might be catching a massive break with a Raiders injury in Week 13 but on Wednesday, Chargers fans were dealt devastating news with the Chargers injury report. Superstar safety Derwin James did not participate in Wednesday's practice with a hip designation.

James is obviously not alone on the injury report as there are several prominent names that did not practice on Wednesday. it didn't seem like it could get any worse with all the injuries the team has suffered this season but it just did.

The Chargers likely won't beat the Raiders with all of these injuries.

If all of the players that did not practice on Wednesday don't end up playing (outside of Khalil Mack) then the Chargers are going to have a really hard time beating the Raiders. The secondary would be absolutely depleted without Derwin James and Bryce Callahan.

The offensive line would be shot at well if Will Clapp and Trey Pipkins were to miss this game. Justin Herbert dealt in Week 12 with a depleted offensive line but with a decent Raiders pass rush, we could see unbearable pressure that the Bolts can't overcome.

That could hamper the play-calling. Even with Keenan Allen playing, Herbert constantly being under pressure is going to lead to a more conservative game that is made worse without the presence of Mike Williams.

There is still some time until the Chargers are set to suit up against the Raiders but fans better hope that the injury luck turns around. If most of these injured players are not suiting up on Sunday then it is going to be a very disappointing game for the Bolts.

MUST-READ: Promising rookies the Chargers could have drafted in 2022

And if that happens the team's back will be against the wall, needing to finish 4-1 with two really tough opponents on the horizon.