The Chargers acquired right tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner to help with the ongoing woes along the offensive line. Unfortunately, the two have only played one drive together since joining the team due to their perspective injuries.
Their absences have been felt, especially last Sunday where the unit allowed 21 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus, eight quarterback hits and two sacks to a Panthers defensive line that had not acquired a sack in the first two games of the season.
Bulaga dealt with a knee injury at the beginning of the season, but he hurt his back early on in the Week 3 matchup. Meanwhile, Turner has been dealing with a groin issue that he sustained at practice during the week leading up to the contest.
Bulaga and Turner’s statuses remain in doubt as the two have yet to practice this week ahead of their bout with the Buccaneers.
This would be the game where L.A. could really use them to protect rookie quarterback Justin Herbert.
Tampa Bay has 12 sacks, which is third most in the league. They also have a 56.3% pass rush win rate, which is second best, and an 18.6% opposing quarterback contact rate that’s fifth best, per ESPN.
If Bulaga and Turner are unable to go, the Chargers will throw out Trey Pipkins at right tackle and Tyree St. Louis or Ryan Groy at right guard. All three players have struggled in the pass protection department.
Herbert has shown that he has the mobility to evade pressure, but he won’t be able to do it on every single play if he’s under constant duress. If he is, the game plan and blocking scheme will have to quickly change or it could be a long day for the Chargers.