Tag: Los Angeles Chargers news

Chargers OT Russell Okung downgraded to doubtful

Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung is set to miss Monday’s bout with the Chiefs.

Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung is set to miss Monday’s bout with the Chiefs.

Okung was listed as questionable on Saturday with the groin injury that knocked him out of last Thursday’s contest against the Raiders. He appears to not be making any progress, however.

Okung has been downgraded to doubtful, which means Los Angeles expects him to miss their Week 11 matchup.

With Okung out, rookie Trey Pipkins will get the start at left tackle. Meanwhile, Trent Scott will start opposite of Pipkins in place of Sam Tevi, who is dealing with a knee injury.

There are no other players behind Pipkins and Scott, so look for the Chargers to call up Spencer Drango from the practice squad to add depth at the position.

Linebacker Drue Tranquill has officially been listed as questionable with a calf injury. He was limited in practice on Saturday.

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Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Chiefs?

NFL experts have made their game predictions on the matchup between the Chargers and Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) are considered 4.5-point home underdogs to the Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) in Week 11 of the 2019 regular season. The over/under line is set at 52.5 points, per BetMGM.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 52.5 points.

Our score prediction for the game is a 31-27 win for the Chargers, with a combined total of 58 points. So if we were putting money behind our prediction, we’d bet the over.

As for game picks, the majority of the experts are rolling with the Chiefs.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Chiefs
Mike Jones (USA Today) Chiefs
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chiefs
Sporting News Chiefs
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chargers
Will Brinson (CBS Sports) Chiefs
Steve Palazzolo (PFF) Chiefs
Bleacher Report Chiefs

Monday’s game will begin at 5:15 p.m. PT and will be televised on ESPN.

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Chargers should activate Adrian Phillips ahead of matchup vs. Chiefs

The Los Angeles Chargers would be wise to activate safety Adrian Phillips prior to the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

There’s a possibility that the Chargers could see a difference-maker to their defense return to the active roster prior to the Monday night bout against the Chiefs.

Safety Adrian Phillips, who was placed on the injured reserve on Sept. 16 with a broken forearm, was designated for return from the IR on Thursday, which means the team will have 21 days to activate him.

Coach Anthony Lynn had some words that suggests Phillips could be available for the AFC West battle tomorrow.

“He’s looking good in practice. We started him out on the scout team, and his change of direction looked really good. We worked him in on some regular reps (with the defense). Now we got to make a decision and see if he can go on Monday.”

“There’s always a chance,” when asked if he will be activated. “He hasn’t played football in a long time, so you don’t want to throw someone out there before they’re ready. But I liked the way he ran around on the field,” Lynn said, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

In practice this past week, Phillips played on the scout team but then earned reps with the first-team defense because he was moving around so well.

Adding Phillips back into the mix would be huge, as the Chargers face a Chiefs offense that ranks No. 6 in the league in explosive passing plays. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has struggled all year to slow opposing passing games, allowing 7.3 yards per throw.

The Chargers will have until 5:00 p.m. PT to decide whether or not Phillips will be active for tomorrow’s matchup.

If the Bolts elect to give Phillips an extended period to recover since the bye week occurs next weekend, they will have to decide between Roderic Teamer and Jaylen Watkins at the strong safety position on Monday.

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Who should Chargers fans root for in Week 11?

While fans are gearing up for the Monday matchup against the Chiefs, Chargers’s Wire Gavino Borquez gives you the rooting guide for Sunday.

Playoff hopes are still alive for the Los Angeles Chargers, despite sitting at an underwhelming 4-6 record. Depending on how some of the games go today, it could help their postseason aspirations.

With that, here are the teams that Chargers fans should be rooting for on Sunday, leading up into the Monday night matchup between the Bolts and the Chiefs.

Early games of note

Texans at Ravens

A loss to Houston would put them at 6-4 and would only open up the Wild Card situation a little bit more. The Texans currently hold the No. 3 seed in the AFC, but would be pushed down if the Colts defeat the Jaguars.

Jaguars at Colts

With quarterback Nick Foles back under center, a win by Jacksonville would put both teams at a 5-5 record and would give some leeway for the Chargers with the Wild Card standings.

Bills at Dolphins

Coming off an upset victory over the Colts, Miami will look to make it two in a row. If they beat Buffalo, it would drop them to 6-4. Again, it would affect the Wild Card standings.

Later games of note

Bengals at Raiders

Cincinnati has yet to win a game, but getting their first against Oakland would be huge for the Chargers, who are still in tight contention for the AFC West. A loss to the Raiders would drop them back to .500

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Behind Enemy Lines: 5 questions with Chiefs Wire

Chiefs Wire’s Charles Goldman spoke with Chargers Wire and delivered five things to look for in the Monday night matchup.

The Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) and Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) are about to take the national stage on Monday night.

Prior to the matchup, Chiefs Wire managing editor Charles Goldman spoke with us on Los Angeles’ opponent.

Here’s a look at five things to expect:

1. How do the Chargers slow down the big playmaking ability of Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman?

The Chargers should hope that somehow they don’t make it on the plane to Mexico City. Really, with the Chiefs offense, you have to decide which playmaker you’re going to try and take away. It was a tough choice last season when you had Hill, Sammy Watkins and Travis Kelce to worry about. Now you’ve got Hardman in the mix, and don’t sleep on Demarcus Robinson because he might have some of the best chemistry with Mahomes of any of these receiving threats.

2. Will Patrick Mahomes’ knee be a concern for him, or is he back to full health?

Mahomes was pretty adamant this week that this is the healthiest he’s felt since Week 1 of the regular season. Remember, he also dealt with an ankle sprain earlier in the season before the kneecap dislocation. Both of those injuries shouldn’t be a problem for him moving forward or limit him from doing what he does. He had one of the best games of his career against the Titans in Week 10 despite the loss. I wouldn’t expect to see Andy Reid call a QB sneak with Mahomes anytime soon, though.

3. What area/position of the Chiefs could determine the outcome of this game?

The linebackers and the run defense. It’s been the most easily exploitable part of the Chiefs’ defense this season. They did sort of come alive a bit during the two weeks that Mahomes was out with injury. As recently as Week 10, they looked like the same unit that failed to impress early in the season. Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler are as talented a duo as they’ve faced in 2019. The Chargers could do some damage running the ball and motioning out wide, forcing man-coverage matchups against the Chiefs’ LB corps.

4. Who is an under-the-radar Chief that Chargers fans should know about?

Rookie defensive back Juan Thornhill is one that I’d pay attention to this week. He plays the deep safety role for the Chiefs and he’s been quietly impressive this season. He has really nice range from the centerfield spot. When he’s in a man coverage situation, he hasn’t given up much in terms of yardage per coverage snap. Given how much Philip Rivers likes to throw the deep ball, you might be hearing Thornhill’s name called quite a bit on Monday night.

5. Score predicition?

Ahead of the season, I had this game circled as one that I thought Kansas City could struggle in. I thought that Los Angeles wouldn’t be 4-6 right now. Historically, the big prime-time games haven’t been too kind to the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs. I’m feeling like things will be different this time around, though. This is shaping up to be the first time since Week 1 that the Chiefs have all of their starters on offense healthy across the board. If the Chiefs’ defense can manage to contain Ekeler and Gordon, that’d also boost their chances at a win. It’s easier said than done for Kansas City. They can’t seem to decide the type of team they want to be on defense. Chiefs 34, Chargers 20

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Chargers’ Philip Rivers to weigh decision on future after season

Quarterback Philip Rivers’ future with the Los Angeles Chargers remains to be seen.

Quarterback Philip Rivers is currently focused on the present by helping dig his team out of a hole and get back into the thick of the playoff race.

But while he is doing that, many can’t talk about Rivers without bringing up his future with the Chargers.

Rivers, who will be turning 38 in December, is in the final stint of his four-year contract that he signed back in 2015. He was comfortable with playing out the rest of his contract before dealing with any negotiations.

Earlier this week, Rivers said that he will evaluate where he’s at, physically and mentally before determining the next step that he will make in his professional career.

Rivers said prior to the 2019 season that he wants to remain with the team when they move into their new stadium with the Rams in Inglewood, CA next year.

“I think that is my desire. But I do think that it only seems right to say, ‘All right, let’s take a deep breath and regroup.’ I kept saying, a couple years, a couple years or a handful, and then I went to the ‘one year at a time.’ And I think that’s where it is, and that only makes sense when your contract is up and you’re going to be 38 here in a few weeks.

So I’m just going to have kind of a self and family evaluation of it all, and also know that it’s not solely my decision. But my intention certainly is to be playing in 2020,” Rivers said, per ESPN’s Eric D. Williams.

Entering Week 11, the eight-time Pro Bowl selection, leads the league in completions (240), attempts (364) and passing yards (2,186). He has passed for 14 touchdowns, but has thrown 10 interceptions, which ranks as the second-worst in the league.

Rivers’ play has been plagued by an inexperienced offensive line this season, but there have been signs of regression to his game. His decision-making his been spotty and his arm talent isn’t where it used to be.

There’s no doubt that Rivers would like to continue playing with the Bolts beyond the 2019 season, but how he does the rest of the season will have a big determining factor on what the future may hold for him.

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Chargers final injury report: 2 doubtful, 3 questionable

The Los Angeles Chargers released their final injury report ahead of Week 11 on Saturday.

The Los Angeles Chargers had their last practice on Saturday before traveling to Mexico City to take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Here is a look at the final injury report:

Out

OT Sam Tevi

Doubtful

WR Geremy Davis
RB Justin Jackson

Questionable

S Roderic Teamer
OT Russell Okung
LS Cole Mazza

Right tackle Sam Tevi has officially been ruled out. Trent Scott will start in place of him. Meanwhile, left tackle Russell Okung is questionable, which means there’s a chance he will play. If he can’t go, Trey Pipkins would get the start.

Safety Roderic Teamer and long snapper Cole Mazza are questionable, as well. Teamer hasn’t played since Week 8, as he’s been dealing with a groin injury. If Mazza isn’t good for Monday’s matchup, recently acquired Matt Overton will start.

Wide receiver Geremy Davis and running back Justin Jackson are both doubtful.

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9 Chargers players to watch vs. Chiefs in Week 11

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out the nine most important players to watch against the Chiefs in Week 11.

The Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) travel to Mexico City to face the Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) in a crucial Week 11 matchup.

Here are nine Chargers players to hone in on:

QB Philip Rivers

After his worst performance of the 2019 season, Rivers will look to have a bounce back game. But it won’t be an easy task facing one of the best passing defenses in the league.

RB Melvin Gordon

Gordon has been on a tear the past two games, and he will look to continue that dominance going up against one of the league’s worst run defenses.

WR Keenan Allen

Allen has been slowed as of late, failing to surpass 70 receiving yards the past seven contests. He wasn’t impressed by the Chiefs’ secondary this past offseason and now he will have to opportunity to get his words up, six months later.

OT Trent Scott

One of the reasons for Rivers’ struggles last week was the poor protection. Scott, who will start at right tackle again in place of Sam Tevi, will need to slow a Chiefs pass rush that ranks first in the NFL in sacks (52).

DE Joey Bosa & Melvin Ingram

If the Bolts want to slow quarterback Patrick Mahomes, they need to contain him and make him feel uncomfortable. That all starts up front with the pressure. Bosa and Ingram have combined for 13.5 sacks this season.

CB Casey Hayward

Hayward is set to be lined up across arguably the league’s fastest wideouts in Tyreek Hill.

FS Rayshawn Jenkins

With how fast the Chiefs position players are, Jenkins will be needed more than ever to assist from the single high role, whether that be as an open field tackler or eliminating passing plays over the top to avoid explosive plays.

S Jaylen Watkins

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is the best at his position, and will need to be eliminated. Last season, they limited him because Derwin James did a nice job against him, but he will not be playing.

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Chargers in attendance to scout Florida vs. Missouri

The Los Angeles Chargers were one of several teams in attendance for the matchup between the Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers.

The Los Angeles Chargers were one of several teams in attendance for the matchup between the Florida Gators and Missouri Tigers.

There are a few players worthy of scouting attention in this game.

Florida

WR Van Jefferson

Jefferson, the 6-foot-1 and 215 pound wideout, isn’t the fastest player but he is a technician at route running, he has strong hands and takes a physical approach to win 50/50 situations.

Other notables:

RB Lamical Perine

DE Jabari Zuniga

DE Jonathan Greenard

LB David Reese

CB CJ Henderson

Missouri

CB DeMarkus Acy

The 6-foot-2 and 195 pounder is a long and well-built cornerback who flashes ball skills, reactive athleticism and zone cover ability to be a solid option in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system.

Other notables:

QB Kelly Bryant

TE Albert Okwuegbunam

DT Jordan Elliott

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Chargers’ Keenan Allen looking to back up words about Chiefs secondary

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen had some words about the Chiefs’ secondary back in April.

After finishing as one of the worst secondaries in the NFL last season, the Chiefs made the point to address the unit this past offseason with a slew of acquisitions.

Back in April, after the initial wave of free agency and the draft, wide receiver Keenan Allen was asked about the changes Kansas City made.

“Since you asked, it was brought up today in the locker room. We just looked at their DB (defensive backs) group, and I’ll just leave it at that. We’ve seen it,” Allen said.

From Allen’s comment and smirk on his face, he didn’t appear to be that impressed with the group on paper.

Fast forward to now, and the new pieces that the Chiefs added have made a huge difference. Kansas City hasn’t allowed 300 passing yards in a game since Week 1, and they’re allowing 221.4 yards per game, which ranks No. 8 in the NFL.

Their new-look secondary includes safety Tyrann Mathieu, cornerback Bashaud Breeland and rookie Juan Thornhill. Those three players, along with the change to the defensive coordinator, have been a much-needed boost to the defense.

Quarterback Philip Rivers threw for over 300 yards when the two teams met twice last season, including the big victory at Arrowhead Stadium, which snapped their losing streak to the Chiefs.

Even though Rivers enters Monday’s contest against Kansas City with a league-high 2,816 passing yards, it won’t be an easy task for the veteran quarterback to have that success facing a revamped secondary and a depleted offensive line.

Allen will look to back up what he had to say about Kansas City’s secondary, and get back on track after being held to less than 70 receiving yards the past seven games and find the end zone for the first time since Week 3.

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