Injury problems continue for the Chargers under their new regime

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Not even changes at head coach, general manager and a move to a new year-round facility have altered the Los Angeles Chargers' track record when it comes to injuries.

The Chargers are dealing with injuries to four starters after Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As if that isn't bad enough, two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City is on deck.

The biggest concerns are on offense. Quarterback Justin Herbert continues to be hampered by a high right ankle sprain and may not practice this week. Herbert was pulled midway through the third quarter and wore a walking boot after the game.

Taylor Heinicke replaced Herbert and completed both of his passes for 24 yards.

Despite having limited mobility, Herbert completed his first nine passes and was 12 of 18 for 125 yards with a touchdown.

Coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday additional X-rays on Herbert's ankle were negative, and that there is the possibility for an MRI over the next couple days.

If Herbert can play, it will be without both starting offensive tackles. NFL Network reported rookie right tackle Joe Alt will miss multiple weeks with a sprained MCL. Alt suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter but played all 46 offensive snaps.

Left tackle Rashaun Slater suffered a strained pectoral muscle late in the first half. He was taped up and tried to give it a go in the second half before coming out.

When asked about Alt and Slater, Harbaugh said: “No real additional information.” He added he'd have more specifics by Wednesday.

Edge rusher Joey Bosa aggravated a nagging hip issue on the first drive and did not return. Bosa dealt with a back issue before the Sept. 15 game at Carolina.

Harbaugh said after the Chargers acquired Heinicke from Atlanta that the game planning would be different if he or Easton Stick had to play instead of Herbert. Harbaugh has stayed true to that and has tried to play to Heinicke's skill set.

“Taylor has been good. I thought he acquitted himself well in the game,” Harbaugh said. “Checked the ball down, made the nice throw over the middle. It's been steps like we thought it would be able to do, but he's got a good grasp of things.”

The Chargers have other problems. Safety Derwin James Jr. was suspended one game by the NFL on Monday for repeated hits to the heads of opponents.

What’s working

Scott Matlock continues to help the Chargers with his versatility. The second-year fullback/defensive lineman saw 17 snaps on offense, 22 on defense and 15 on special teams. It is the second time in three games Matlock has seen snaps on at least 25% of the plays in all three phases.

What needs help

Avoiding penalties at the wrong time. The defense was flagged three times for 34 yards — all leading to first downs — on the Steelers' go-ahead drive early in the fourth quarter that was capped by Chris Boswell's 30 yard field goal. Making matters worse is that all of them came on third down. Khalil Mack's roughing-the-passer penalty kept the Steelers' drive alive after George Pickens was stopped 2 yards short of a first down on third-and-10.

Stock up

Quentin Johnston has emerged as the Chargers' top receiver. Last year's first-round draft pick has three receiving touchdowns, which is tied for the league lead, after having two last season. Johnston is getting more separation from opposing defensive backs, averaging 3.8 yards of separation, up from 2.4 yards last season. On his 27-yard touchdown in the first quarter, Johnston blew past Joey Porter Jr. on a go route and caught the ball at the Steelers' 10-yard line with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick trailing by 4 yards.

Stock down

Center Bradley Bozeman struggled in pass blocking, allowing two pressures and a quarterback hit. He also had a bad snap during the first quarter that nearly led to a turnover.

Injuries

Linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring) and wide receiver Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf) were inactive on Sunday and will likely be out a couple more weeks.

Key number

1,656 — Completions by Herbert in his first five seasons, third most in NFL history. Derek Carr holds the record at 1,759 with Peyton Manning second (1,749).

48 — Quarterbacks sacked by Mack during his 11-year career. Mack and Justin Fields were teammates for two seasons in Chicago (2020-21).

Next steps

The Chargers have lost 10 straight at home to the Chiefs, the longest current home losing streak in the league to one team. The last time they won on their home field against Kansas City was in Week 17 of the 2013 season, when the franchise was still in San Diego.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press