The LA Chargers play their first game of the Jim Harbaugh era on Saturday against another team that underwent a head coaching change this offseason, the Seattle Seahawks. While the game does not officially count for anything, droves of fans will tune in on both sides to see what this new era entails.
In previous years under Brandon Staley, the Chargers would not play any of their starters in the preseason. That is not completely the case this year, as Zion Johnson has already confirmed he will play and likely won't be the only starter who sees some game action on Saturday.
There are still several Chargers starters who will not be suiting up. Justin Herbert won't be active as he is currently in a walking boot and joining him are two veterans on the defensive side of the ball, Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. In addition to the pair of edge rushers, the pair of new Chargers running backs, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, also will not play.
Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Gus Edwards, JK Dobbins, and a "few others" will not play Saturday.
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) August 9, 2024
More Chargers will join Joey Bosa on the inactive list for Saturday's game vs Seahawks
It is unclear who the "few others" are but it is not hard to make a guess. The Chargers have been extremely conservative with injuries this season, so don't expect the team to force the star players to play if they do not have to.
Derwin James probably shouldn't suit up in the preseason, neither should his starting partner Alohi Gilman. Sitting the two starting safeties will also allow the coaching staff to get a better idea of the depth chart behind them.
It would not be surprising if Joshua Palmer doesn't see any game time after dealing with nagging knee issues this week, nor would it be surprising if Rashawn Slater misses this game. Veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman also does not have anything to prove, and probably shouldn't play.
Most of these omissions make sense and there is no concern about whether or not they play. Bosa's case is unique, however, as he has not been seen at Chargers practice since suffering a hand/wrist injury in a joint practice with the LA Rams.
The Chargers have been rather tight-lipped about Bosa's status and it is unclear how severe the injury is. Bosa probably would not have played in the first preseason game anyway, but him being absent from the game and from practices is a cause for concern.
Where one door closes another opens, however. With Bosa and Mack out of the fold, young players such as Tuli Tuipulotu and Chris Rumph will have a chance to impress the new coaching staff. Additionally, at running back Kimani Vidal is going to get an excellent chance to prove his hype is legitimate after being taken in the sixth round.