RSS Chargers Team Notes

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Eagles By The Numbers: Bolts face underwhelming Philly DEF

Earlier in the year this matchup against the Eagles looked a whole lot scarier. But on paper entering Week 14, the reigning Super Bowl look closer to a house cat than a lion.

Jalen Hurts isn’t throwing the ball nearly as well this year and running back Saquon Barkley is on pace to record nowhere near his 2,000+ rushing yards he had in 2024. The defense, despite featuring man of the same impact players from their championship team, simply isn’t playing up to par as of late.

Even with their injuries across the roster, the Chargers really do have a shot this week at improving to 9-4, but the Eagles will be a tough out regardless of what the stats say.

With that said, let’s go ahead and jump into the numbers for this matchup.

Chargers Offense​

Total yards per game: 346.8 (10th)
Points per game: 23.1 (18th)
Passing yards per game: 224.7 (12th)
Rushing yards per game: 122.1 (12th)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 2,842 passing yards, 21 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Kimani Vidal – 543
Rushing touchdowns: RB Kimani Vidal – 3
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 683
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 60
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 7

Chargers Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 275.3 (3rd)
Points allowed per game: 21.0 (11th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 168.3 (2nd)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 106.9 (13th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 75
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 16
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 10
Passes Defended: CB Donte Jackson – 9
Interceptions: CB Donte Jackson, S Tony Jefferson – 3
Forced fumbles: EDGE Khalil Mack – 3
Fumble recoveries: DT Teair Tart, LB Del’Shawn Phillips – 1

Eagles Offense​

Total yards per game: 304.8 (24th)
Points per game: 22.5 (19th)
Passing yards per game: 196.3 (23rd)
Rushing yards per game: 108.5 (22nd)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB Jalen Hurts – 2,514 passing yards, 19 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Saquon Barkley – 740
Rushing touchdowns: QB Jalen Hurts – 8
Receiving yards: WR DeVonta Smith – 802
Receptions: WR A.J. Brown – 60
Receiving touchdowns: TE Dallas Goedert – 7

Eagles Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 347.2 (25th)
Points allowed per game: 20.8 (1oth)
Passing yards allowed per game: 218.3 (20th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 128.9 (24th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Zack Baun – 96
Tackles for loss: LB Zack Baun – 6
Sacks: EDGE Moro Ojomo – 4
Passes Defended: CB Quinyon Mitchell – 14
Interceptions: EDGE Jalyx Hunt, S Andrew Mukuba – 2
Forced fumbles: 7 players tied w/ 1
Fumble recoveries: 5 players tied w/ 1

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...e-numbers-bolts-face-underwhelming-philly-def

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Eagles will face Chargers without star DT Jalen Carter

The Chargers are set to face the Eagles on Monday Night Football in the first game of an end-of-year gauntlet that features three teams currently with eight wins. The other two teams on the schedule, the Chiefs and Cowboys, are both at six wins with the latter enjoying a rather resurgence as of late.

It’s tough to see which games are the most winnable and truly any sort of leg-up that the Chargers can get each week will go far for them. Luckily for them, one of those bits of luck has hit.

Per recent reports, the Eagles have ruled out star defensive tackle Jalen Carter this week after he had a procedure done on one of his shoulders. The injury could sidelined him for multiple weeks, but all the Chargers care about is this Monday night and that means their underwhelming interior pass protection won’t have to worry about one of the league’s top defensive tackles who excels at getting after the quarterback. Per Pro Football Focus, Carter is ranked 13th among all qualifying defensive tackles in pass rush grade.

Sources: Eagles DT Jalen Carter is out for Monday night’s game vs. the Chargers after undergoing a procedure this past Monday on both his shoulders. Carter now is undergoing treatment on both shoulders, and he will be considered be week to week to return. Carter wanted to be as… pic.twitter.com/5qDTAyiLUp

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2025

It’s been a down year for Carter on the stat sheet, but don’t let that make you believe his absence for the Eagles won’t be felt. He’s only one year removed from being a Second-Team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler after recording 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2024. Behind him on the interior is second-year player Ty Robinson who has all but one tackle on the season.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ll-face-chargers-without-star-dt-jalen-carter

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Justin Herbert breeds confidence for Chargers’ postseason contention

Confidence in the Chargers’ postseason potential has grown and and shrunk wildly this year depending on the week. After starting 3-0 against the AFC West, it seemed like it was going to be a magical year for the Bolts. Fast-forward to their bye week (after going 4-4 over their next eight games) and the vibes nothing close to immaculate as they were coming off a lopsided loss to the Jaguars.

But even after dominating the Raiders this past Sunday, it’s difficult to feel much optimism regarding their playoff chances given that they’re about to face a final five-game stretch that against the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans, and Broncos, all of whom have eight or more wins aside from the surging Cowboys.

The Chargers will likely have to go at least 2-3 in those games to get to 10 wins if they want a better than decent shot at earning spot. Remember, last season every team that won 10 games except for the Seahawks made the postseason. Nine-win teams can make it, of course, but 10 is just that much safer.

Now, if you’re CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles, you actually have quite a bit of confidence in the Chargers simply due to who they have at the quarterback position. In a new piece by Pereles where he ranks 20 playoff contenders by tiers, he has the Bolts amongst the top five, but in tier two, which includes the Chiefs, Bills, and Chargers. This tier is called the “Quarterbacks Can Carry Them” tier and I can’t say Pereles is wrong at all on this one. It’s how this team is year-in and year-out, so no surprises here.

“Herbert also gets a nod here, though the Chargers’ crumbling offensive line and Herbert’s health are significant causes for concern” says Pereles. ‘‘Rewatch his performances from Week 1 against the Chiefs and Week 3 against the Broncos, though, and you’ll see the magic he can produce on any play.“

Do you think is a good placement for the Chargers in a set of rankings like this? Are the Chargers really going to be in it as long as Herbert is under center? Let us know all of your thoughts below!

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...confidence-for-chargers-postseason-contention

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Eagles Injury Report: Justin Herbert limited again

Friday Update: The Chargers’ injury report for Friday has come in and it’s a lot cleaner than Thursday’s list by a wide margin. This time, only two of the 10 players were not a full participant in practice. Justin Herbert (hand) was a limited participant for the second day in a row and tight end/fullback Tucker Fisk (ankle) was a DNP once again, as well.

friday's #PHIvsLAC injury report pic.twitter.com/cqzr8Af6If

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 5, 2025

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To the relief of the Chargers fan base, quarterback Justin Herbert was a limited participant in practice on Thursday just three days after he underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his non-throwing hand. Herbert told the reporters earlier in the week that a plate and several screws were inserted into his hand and despite this severe-sounding injury, he’s still preparing to not miss any game time.

As for the rest of the team’s initial injury report, nine other players received a designation for Thursday’s practice.

Pass rusher Bud Dupree (veteran’s rest day), tight end/fullback Tucker Fisk (ankle), and defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand (illness) were all sidelined to begin Eagles prep.

Running backs Omarion Hampton (ankle) and Hassan Haskins (hamstring), wide receiver Quentin Johnston (shoulder), and offensive linemen Trey Pipkins (back) and Jamaree Salyer (shoulder) were all limited. The expectation by all reports is that Hampton will make his long-awaited return to the field this week after missing the last seven games with an ankle fracture.

thursday's #PHIvsLAC injury report pic.twitter.com/3UjBwgYhGM

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 4, 2025

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ury-report-justin-herbert-limited-in-practice

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Eagles Game Preview: Bolts must control the trenches in primetime

The Chargers will cap off the Week 14 slate of NFL games by playing the Eagles on Monday Night Football. Both teams are 8-4 and need this win as much as the other in hopes of keeping their playoff hopes healthy.

Good news, though. The Eagles will be without starting defensive tackle Jalen Carter after having surgery this week. That helps a ton with a weak Chargers interior offensive line.

Will it be enough bounce this game the Chargers’ way? We’ll have to wait until Monday Night Football to find out. With that said, here are the three things I’ll be watching closely when the Bolts take the field in primetime.

1.) How will the Chargers attempt to attack the Eagles’ defensive front?​

The news of Eagles DT Jalen Carter being ruled out after having surgery on both of his shoulders this week was likely music to the ears of the Chargers fan base. The interior of the Chargers offensive line has been the weak link for the offense and not having to face one of the league’s top pass-rushing tackles is a huge advantage heading into a do-or-die stretch for the Bolts.

One would think that means the Chargers should curtail their run game plan to attack more between the tackles than outside, and I think you’d mostly be right. The thing is, the Chargers have been much better this year at running outside the tackles than between. Before Carter being ruled out, I would have said the definitely need to get the ball out on the edge, but now it sure seems like the Bolts can pick whichever gap they want outside of where mammoth defensive lineman Jordan Davis is lined up.

The Chargers should also be watching a ton of tape from the Eagles’ loss to the Bears on Black Friday. Chicago rushed for over 200 yards and had two backs go over the 100-yard mark. That film needs to be studied feverishly to make sure the Bolts have a chance to capitalize on the same shortcomings in their matchup this Monday night.

2.) How will Justin Herbert’s injury change the look of the Chargers offense?​

When Herbert first fractured his hand against the Raiders, Roman essentially cut out all under-center plays form his play sheet to make sure he wasn’t putting his star quarterback in harm’s way. Having had surgery on Monday, Herbert’s been working at practice this week to get acclimated to the padded glove he’s expected to wear on Monday night. Earlier in the week, Herbert said he had yet to try and grip a ball while wearing the glove but he planned to attempt it later in the week. If the grip is that weak in that hand/with the glove, Herbert will have to find a way to give handoffs entirely with his right hand.

That’s not the craziest thing in the world, but it’s certainly a weird changeup from something you practice every single day.

One question I’ve seen raised is whether or not Roman will actually have plays drawn up specifically for backup Trey Lance. While this does sound a bit crazy, Harbaugh and Roman both said they were kicking themselves after running from the shotgun against the Raiders on a fourth-and-one situation instead of sneaking with Lance or tight end Tyler Conklin.

Maybe it’s as simple as that, though. Maybe Lance will just be the guy for quarterback sneaks, or maybe he’ll get some designed runs since Roman wouldn’t want Herbert running anymore than he needs to with the injured hand.

Either way, I’m expecting at least some changes to the operation this week.

3.) Will the Chargers stick with the same offensive line that played vs. the Raiders? How will they fare together again?​

Last week, and coming out of the bye, the Chargers decided to give Jamaree Salyer an extended look at left tackle. Salyer played left tackle in college and filled in for Rashawn Slater there for most of the 2022 season when the former suffered a torn biceps early on in the season.

Against the Raiders, Salyer allowed two pressures (including a sack) but finished with a decent pass block grade of 72.2. That performance was seemingly good enough for him to get the nod once again as the Bolts have been using the same lineup through this week’s practices.

It also probably helped Salyer’s case that he was able to play a role in Kimani Vidal’s 59-yard touchdown run against Las Vegas. Salyer pulled out into space and executed a block on an edge defender that opened up a lane for Vidal to run up the left sideline and eventually into the end zone.

Of course performances in the NFL can vary wildly from week to week. Against an underwhelming Philly defense (by their own recent standards), the Chargers are hoping to snag some much-needed momentum with a win at home in primetime before traveling to Kansas City to face the Chiefs.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-bolts-must-control-the-trenches-in-primetime

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Chargers-Eagles prediction thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Check out the Chargers’ injury report from Wednesday (Chargers.com)

Here’s why Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal are excited to team up down the stretch (Chargers.com)

Could the Chargers be forced to play both Herbert and Lance given the former’s injury? (Bolt Beat)

Three reasons why the Chargers can take down the Eagles on Monday Night Football (Charger Report)

NFL News:​

Amon-Ra St. Brown shook off his injury from a week ago to play on Thursday Night Football (ESPN)

CeeDee Lamb suffered a concussion against the Lions that knocked him out of the game (ESPN)

Experts believe Deshaun Watson won’t play this season despite coming back from IR (CBS Sports)

What we learned from the Lions’ win over the Cowboys on Thursday night (NFL.com)

The Lions fear that safety Brian Branch has an achilles injury (Pro Football Talk)

Key predictions and matchups for Week 14 of the NFL season (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...daily-links-chargers-eagles-prediction-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Week 14 Poll: Will the Chargers keep rolling this week?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Chargers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into Week 14, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/general/61878/week-14-poll-will-the-chargers-keep-rolling-this-week

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Thursday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Justin Herbert is hopeful to play on Monday night after hand surgery (Chargers.com)

This is who you should be rooting for to help the Chargers’ playoff push (Chargers Wire)

Could the Chargers make a push for pass rusher Trey Hendrickson this offseason? (Bolt Beat)

Justin Herbert is one of the most pivotal players on various injury reports this week (Charger Report)

NFL News:​

Which players and coaches have the most at stake in a playoff push? (ESPN)

The Bills claimed veteran cornerback Darius Slay off of waivers (ESPN)

Pete Prisco picks games from the Week 14 slate (CBS Sports)

10 unanswered quarterback questions hanging over this year’s playoff push (NFL.com)

Roger Goodell and the NFL is considering a second game to be played on Black Friday (Pro Football Talk)

There’s a new No. 1 in this week’s quarterback rankings (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...841/chargers-daily-links-thursday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Wednesday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

The Chargers are the AFC’s No. 5 seed in the latest playoff picture (Chargers.com)

Five takeaways after Justin Herbert underwent successful hand surgery (Chargers.com)

The good, the bad, and the ugly from the win over the Raiders (Chargers Wire)

Justin Herbert’s injury history tells us he’s not likely to miss time (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

The Steelers claim Adam Thielen and waived Darius Slay (NFL.com)

Ranking 20 playoff contenders by how confident you should be in each one (CBS Sports)

Eagles OC Kevin Patullo’s house was egged in the middle of the night (CBS Sports)

The Giants GM admits his mistakes with the roster but remains confident in the coaching search (ESPN)

Kyle Shanahan is hopeful for a return by Brandon Aiyuk but not counting on it (Pro Football Talk)

Ranking the best 50 NFL free agents for 2026 (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...51/chargers-daily-links-wednesday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Eagles Live Game Recap: Justin Herbert to tough out primetime matchup despite hand injury

Chargers football is here.

Justin Herbert is officially active — not that anyone should be surprised — and he’ll give it a go against the Eagles on Monday Night Football. His surgically-repaired hand is wrapped up in a protective glove and it’s not likely we’ll see him under center today, but we all know he does his best work from the shotgun anyway.

A win today puts the Chargers at 9-4 with four more games to go. It would also help build a bigger cushion for the Chargers’ playoff chances as they face one of the toughest stretches to finish the season. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, the Bolts must take care of business under the lights inside SoFi Stadium.

For a full and live recap of tonight’s game, check it out below.

First Quarter​

The Chargers won the toss and chose to defer. Philadelphia was up first on offense.

The Eagles managed a single first down on their opening drive via a 10-yard pass on third-and-nine. After that, the Bolts defense put their foot down, recording a sack on third down from Odafe Oweh.

Both Kimani Vidal and Omarion Hampton combined to record all 80 yards of offense on the Chargers’ opening drive. Vidal took a short checkdown pass from Herbert and ran into open grass for a huge 60-yard gain. Several plays later, Hampton caught a four-yard touchdown pass to give the Bolts an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter.

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense found a bit more of a groove on their second drive via Saquon Barkley’s running. Barkley took his first carry of the drive for 19 yards and then tacked on another 10 with his second tote. For the second time in as many drives, tight end Dallas Goedert caught a pass on third-and-long to move the chains, as well. Jesse Minter began to load up defenders on the line of scrimmage and his third-down pressure plan worked to force a quick throw that would be halted well short of the sticks. The Eagles chose to kick a field goal on fourth down which made the score 7-3 with a little over three minutes remaining in the period.

The second offensive drive of the game for the Chargers was quite the opposite of their first.

Herbert escaped a would-be sack to find Hampton for a gain of seven. On the very next play, defensive tackle Jordan Davis evaded Bradley Bozeman’s block and tackled Hampton for a loss. Then, right tackle Trey Pipkins was called for a false start to back the Chargers up even further.

The Eagles then jumped early which gave the Chargers a free play in which Herbert launched a deep pass over the middle towards Ladd McConkey but it was picked by Cooper DeJean. Luckily, however, it did not count. On the shorter third down attempt, Herbert was pressured immediately by linebacker Nakobe Dean who ran right up the middle into the quarterback’s face. Herbert was forced to dirt the ball and the Bolts would punt it away.

Second Quarter​

R.J. Mickens looked to have come down with his third interception of the season off a Hurts overthrow but the replay showed the ball hit the ground and it was ruled an incompletion. Still, it led to another Eagles punt.

Derius caught the kick with decent field position but he attempted to cut all the way across the field to try and make a big play happen but he was tripped up after losing a good bit of yardage. That was not the ideal start for the Chargers on their third drive and it was only made worse thanks to a holding call on left tackle Jamaree Salyer. Herbert and Co. could not overcome the first-and-20 and ultimately punted back after going three-and-out.

Derwin James got the defensive stand started with a tackle for loss on Barkley. The next play looked like another great stop with Daiyan Henley blitzing into Hurts’ face to force an overthrow, but cornerback Cam Hart was called for illegal contact on Brown and it gave the Eagles an automatic first down. The Eagles got big plays through the air to Goedert (16 yards) and Brown (22 yards) to help move them down the field into field goal range, but a wild and wacky tragedy struck Philly on third-and-one.

Hurts dropped back and fired towards a receiver over the middle but the pass was picked by defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand who faked a rush before dropping into coverage. Hand ran around 10 yards before an Eagles player punched the ball loose. That fumble bounced right into the arms of Hurts who only had it for a moment before it was punched out again. Ultimately the ball bounced further in the favor of the Chargers before linebacker Troy Dye recovered it again for Los Angeles.

Herbert made one of his most impressive throws of the season on a third-and-two when he drifted left out of the pocket but threw back to his right with pressure bearing down on him. The pass barely made it past the fingers of a defender and into the arms of rookie wideout Tre’ Harris. Unfortunately Herbert would be sacked on the upcoming third down and the Bolts were forced to turn to Cameron Dicker. Number 11 was good from 45 yards out to increase their lead to 10-3.

Hurts threw his second interception to Donte Jackson on the Eagles’ side of the field after the latter undercut a pass intended for wideout DeVonta Smith. Unfortunately the Chargers only had it for one play. Linebacker Nakobe Dean blitzed right up the middle, blew up Hampton in pass protection, and stripped the ball out of Herbert’s hand with defensive lineman Byron Young making the recovery.

The Eagles moved the ball down the field fast but stalled once they got inside the 10-yard line. Left tackle Jordan Mailata was called for a hold to make it second-and-goal from the 12 and the Bolts kept bringing the heat to force another Jake Elliott field goal.

With 48 seconds on the clock, the Bolts still led 10-6.

The Chargers tried to get into field goal range quickly to score points before they received the second half kickoff. That hope lasted only a few moments, however, as Eagles pass rusher Jaelen Phillips got a hand on Herbert’s throwing arm on a pass attempt and it resulted in an interception for cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.

Due to an unnecessary roughness penalty by Vidal after the interception, the Eagles got the ball immediately within field goal range. Elliott lined up to attempt a kick from 48 yards but he was wide left and the score remained 10-6 as both teams headed to the locker room.

Third Quarter​

Fourth Quarter​

• Chargers reveal Week 14 inactives vs. Eagles
• Chargers-Eagles Game Preview: Jalen Hurts and Co. need to find identity
• Chargers vs. Eagles: How to watch, game time, TV schedule, streaming, and more
• Chargers-Eagles Injury Report: Justin Herbert questionable for Monday Night Football
• Chargers-Eagles Game Preview: Bolts must control the trenches in primetime
• Chargers-Eagles By The Numbers: Bolts face underwhelming Philly DEF

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ugh-out-primetime-matchup-despite-hand-injury

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Victory Tuesday open thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Five takeaways from the Chargers’ win over the Eagles in primetime (Chargers.com)

Tony Jefferson had visions of his game-winning interception (Chargers.com)

What we learned from the Chargers’ win over the Eagles on Monday night (NFL.com)

Justin Herbert made sure to shoutout his teammates that are also playing through injuries (Pro Football Talk)

NFL News:​

Check out a new set of NFL power rankings (Sports Illustrated)

Jalen Hurts turned the ball over twice on the same play against the Chargers (Pro Football Talk)

The Colts worked out 44-year old Philip Rivers following Daniel Jones’ achilles injury (ESPN)

The Bucs signed Jason Pierre-Paul to their practice squad (CBS Sports)

The Raiders currently hold the first overall pick in the 2026 draft (NFL.com)

The NFL is under fire after Tee Higgins was allowed to return to the game after being concussed (Touchdown Wire)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...rgers-daily-links-victory-tuesday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Philip Rivers signs with Colts practice squad

I cannot believe I’m writing these words right now, but that doesn’t make this breaking news any less true.

Per NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Colts are signing 44-year old former Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers to their practice squad. Rivers has not played since the COVID season of 2020 when he was with Indy. That team made it to the postseason but lost to the Bills in the wild card round.

ESPN Sources: 44-year-old Philip Rivers, who has not played in the NFL since the 2020 COVID season, is signing to the QB-needy Indianapolis Colts practice squad. pic.twitter.com/oOIVQEY38x

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 9, 2025

Rivers is currently a semi-finalist for the Pro Football of Fame Class of 2026. As long as he remains a member of the Colts’ practice squad, he will remain in the running for the Hall of Fame. If he signs to the active roster at all, the five-year clock will reset and Rivers will have to wait once again to earn a gold jacket.

In that 2020 season, Rivers threw for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns to 11 interceptions. His two percent interception rate was tied for the third-lowest of his career while his 68 percent completion percentage was his third best mark ever for a single season.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...philip-rivers-signs-with-colts-practice-squad

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Power Rankings Roundup: Critics still tough on Bolts despite beating SB Champs

The Chargers are now winners of two consecutive games coming off of their Week 12 bye. While the win over the Raiders was nice, being able to outlast the defending Super Bowl champions in overtime, in your own stadium, in primetime, is incredibly hard to top.

Justin Herbert played through a surgically-repaired left hand and was rewarded with being sacked nine times by the Eagles. Despite the beatdown he was receiving, Herbert still managed to lead the Chargers with 66 rushing yards as he used his legs to give him team a shot every step of the way.

At the end of an insane game, the Bolts walked away victors. However, members of the media are still very skeptical about ranking the Chargers much higher than they were a week ago. I don’t necessarily agree with their rankings, but to each their own.

With that said, let’s go ahead and see where they landed amongst the rankings this week.

Touchdown Wire – #8

CBS Sports – #11

Given their daunting schedule, that might have been a season-saving win over the Eagles on Monday night. Justin Herbert showed a lot playing through the hand injury. – Pete Prisco

Sports Illustrated – #12

This has been a fairly outsized sample of quarterbacks playing with significant injuries this year, from Daniel Jones to Carson Wentz to Jordan Love to Aaron Rodgers. But watching Justin Herbert get absolutely smashed behind a perforated offensive line and finishing as the team’s leading rusher a week after surgery was as close to peak heroism at the position we’ve seen this year. – Conor Orr

ESPN – #13

Herbert has been uncharacteristically reckless with the football in 2025. Last season, he had the fewest interceptions in the NFL (three), reinforcing his place as one of the league’s best decision-makers. This season has been a different story. His 11 interceptions are already his second most in a single season, and he threw one Monday night. Herbert’s career high for interceptions was 15 in 2021.”- Kris Rhim

The Athletic – #11

The Chargers have missed their two best offensive tackles for most of the season, but never more than Monday night. Justin Herbert was sacked seven times and hurried another 11 times and led the Chargers in rushing with 66 yards, some of which he gained while simply running for his life. Still, Los Angeles won for the fifth time in six games. – Josh Kendall

Pro Football Talk – #11

They found a way on a night that didn’t feel like it was going their way. – Mike Florio

USA Today – #12

So many of their key players have been hit with injuries. But when you’re led by tough guys like QB Justin Herbert and OLB Khalil Mack, who have shrugged off their own physical setbacks, and now have rookie RB Omarion Hampton back in the fold, then you’re a team wired well to deal with late-season (and postseason) adversity. – Nate Davis

Bleacher Report – #12

An argument can be made that we have undersold the Chargers all season.

The Bolts just beat the reigning Super Bowl champions with a quarterback who had surgery on a broken hand a week ago. Their defense was fantastic, forcing five Jalen Hurts turnovers.

However, there is an important caveat: Herbert was sacked a career-high seven times by an Eagles team that had struggled to rush the passer this season. He was also the team’s leading rusher. He threw for 139 yards. And the Bolts turned it over three times in their own right.

The Chargers are a 9-4 team, but they are a flawed 9-4 team with a brutal schedule the rest of the way—including three on the road.

Will the Chargers make the playoffs? Yes. Will they do any damage there? No. – Gary Davenport

Pro Football Network – #15

Justin Herbert underwent surgery on his injured left hand last Monday. This Monday, he led the Los Angeles Chargers on a game-tying drive in the final two minutes, forcing the game into overtime against the Eagles. He ran 33 yards during the final drive in the fourth quarter and overtime. After the Chargers went up three to start, Tony Jefferson secured the win by intercepting Jalen Hurts near the goal line.

The Chargers will finish the season with three of their last four games played on the road. They have upcoming trips to Kansas City and Dallas over the next two weeks. After that, they will host the rising Houston Texans in Week 17 before concluding the season in Denver.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...till-tough-on-bolts-despite-beating-sb-champs

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Chiefs Injury Report: Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey limited

Just two days after beating the Eagles on Monday Night Football, the Chargers have begun practicing for their Week 15 matchup on the road this week against the Chiefs. While Wednesday’s report is not the largest we’ve seen to start some weeks this season, it certainly concerning to see so many DNPs.

Two of those DNPs, however, are wideout Keenan Allen and pass rusher Khalil Mack, both of whom were given veteran rest days. The others who were sidelined Wednesday were returner Derius Davis (ankle), linebacker Troy Dye (hip), safety Elijah Molden (hamstring), and offensive lineman Trey Pipkins (ankle).

Wednesday injury report for #Chargers and Chiefs pic.twitter.com/Bje5VaUaRk

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) December 10, 2025

As for the last three — all of whom were limited — they were quarterback Justin Herbert (left hand), wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot), and tight end Will Dissly (shoulder). Herbert told reporters that he had precautionary X-rays immediately after the win over the Eagles that came back negative for any new damage. For now, he’s focused on keeping the swelling down throughout the rest of the week.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...y-report-justin-herbert-ladd-mcconkey-limited

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Thursday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Justin Herbert recently gave an update on the status of his hand this week (Chargers.com)

Check out Wednesday’s injury report for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

Five things to know about this week’s opponent (Chargers Wire)

Former Chargers All-Pro Desmond King retired this season (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

The Bucs activated Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan off IR (ESPN)

Philip Rivers is an option to start this week, but Colts remaining patient with Leonard (ESPN)

Pete Prisco picks games from the Week 15 slate (CBS Sports)

Five contenders with make-or-break pressure to win in Week 15 (NFL.com)

Nate Burleson could be out at CBS Mornings (Pro Football Talk)

Rob Gronkowski recently detailed what it would take for him to unretire (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...934/chargers-daily-links-thursday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Poll: Are the Chargers trending up this week?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Chargers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into Week 15, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...5/poll-are-the-chargers-trending-up-this-week

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Chargers-Chiefs prediction thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Check out Thursday’s injury report for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

The Chargers put together a mini movie where you can relive the OT win over the Eagles (Chargers.com)

How does this Chiefs matchup define the Chargers’ playoff chances? (Chargers Wire)

Five things that can happen in Week 15 to help the Chargers’ playoff chances (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Todd Bowles put the Bucs’ loss on his players after they blew a two-touchdown lead in the fourth (ESPN)

Travis Jones and the Ravens agreed to a three-year extension (ESPN)

CeeDee Lamb has cleared the concussion protocol and will play on Sunday Night Football (CBS Sports)

What we learned from the Falcons’ win over the Bucs on Thursday Night Football (NFL.com)

Kyle Pitts became the first tight end since 1996 with 150 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the same game (Pro Football Talk)

Kirk Cousins may have earned himself an option to play in 2026 (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...daily-links-chargers-chiefs-prediction-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

3 things to watch for in Chargers-Chiefs: Bolts DEF needs a big day from the pass rush

The Chiefs come into Week 15 with a 6-7 record after losing 20-10 to the Houston Texans. That 10-point victory for Houston was spurred on by their elite defense and their ferocious pass rush that the Chargers know all too well from their playoff loss this past January.

One of the biggest keys to the Chargers completing the season sweep against Kansas City will be how much their pass rush can affect Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense. The Bolts do not have the likes of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson out on the edge, but the duo of Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, along with Odafe Oweh, can still force just about any quarterback off their spot.

Another factor will obviously be Herbert and the state of his surgically-repaired hand. The Chiefs will know this is a weak point for him and that may lead to their defense looking to focus their pressure points on his blindside to potentially force easier sacks if he’s not willing to protect himself with that side of his body.

Alright let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. Without further ado, let’s go ahead and dive in to the three things I’ll be watching closely when these team take the field on Sunday.

1.) How will the Chargers attack a depleted tackle position for the Chiefs?​

As it stands just two days before game day, the Chiefs look like they’ll have to start Esa Pole and Jaylon Moore at left and right tackle. Pole made his NFL debut last week against the Texans while Moore was signed this offseason as a free agent but has mainly played in a reserve role before injuries mounted.

Pole had a fairly good outing against Houston where he allowed three pressures (one hit) and was called for a single penalty. Against that pass rush, not allowing a sack is definitely a good night, but the Chargers will be right there to see if it wasn’t a fluke.

As for Moore, he allowed eight pressures to the Texans and overall has let up 26 on the year. He did not play against the Chargers in Week One but he’ll get his fill of them this week if Jesse Minter has anything to say about it.

2.) Will the protection plan adapt at all after a disastrous game against the Eagles?​

Justin Herbert ended up being sacked seven times against the Eagles which is now the most he’s ever been taken down in a single game. At one point, Herbert was being pressured on 72 percent of his dropbacks which, if it stayed on that pace through the end of the game, it would have been the most pressured a quarterback had in a single game in the Next Gen Stats era.

The Chargers won this game, however, which means the coaching staff is not likely to make any changes. In their eyes, they’re not going to fix what isn’t broken, even if it looked broken as all get out on Monday Night. The Chiefs have some real studs and plus-athletes on their defensive front. They’re going to look at the film and see that the Bolts struggle with A gap pressure and situations where the running back has to make a one-on-block in blitz pickup.

Kansas City is going to send the likes of Nick Bolton and former Charger Drue Tranquill up the middle all night long if they can’t find a way to plug that gap.

Here’s the cray thing though: Mekhi Becton played his best game in pass protection in Week One against the Chiefs when he posted an 88.1 pass block grade. In that game, he was called for two penalties but did not allow a single pressure on Herbert. Since then. however, Becton has just three games with a pass block grade over 60.0 and has allowed a team-high 29 pressures on the year, including eight against the Eagles, alone.

3.) Chargers offense must threaten vertical passing game, exploit weak safety group​

The Chargers may be able to take advantage of a matchup this week in the form of Chiefs safety Chamarri Connor who has been free money this year in coverage.

Per Pro Football Focus, Connor has allowed 41-of-48 targets to be completed his way for 558 yards and three touchdowns. His coverage grade of 47.6 is also the worst on the team and by far the worst among all of their defensive backs who have seen any sort of meaningful playing time.

With this is mind, the Chargers may be able to give the Chiefs some of their own medicine by utilizing the deep ball and pressing the seams. Right off the top this could be a nice day for tight end Oronde Gadsden II if Greg Roman is able to get him matched up on Connor, and even Ladd McConkey could enjoy a bounce-back game after being shut down by Cooper DeJean on Monday night.

Tre’ Harris and Quentin Johnston are also ones to watch on deep routes this week, but McConkey is currently the fastest receiver (outside of the injured Derius Davis) and he’s truly due for a big day. Call it a gut feeling, but something like that happening against the Chiefs just makes sense.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-bolts-def-needs-a-big-day-from-the-pass-rush

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Former NFL MVP feels ‘disrespected’ by Colts signing 44-year old Philip Rivers

Jealousy can be a heck of a thing.

Following the Colts announcing the signing of 44-year old quarterback Philips Rivers, who ended his career in Indy after playing there in 2020, former MVP Cam Newton didn’t mince words about his thoughts on the move during a recent podcast appearance. Newton called it “almost like a slap to my face” and expressed that he felt incredibly disrespected that the Colts would think to call Rivers over him who is still almost a decade younger.

Newton also mentioned that he hasn’t officially retired and is still working out to stay in playing shape.

Here’s the thing: Even when both were still starting quarterbacks in the NFL during that 2020 season, Rivers was so drastically better than Newton that I’m legitimately surprised Newton is still this confident in his playing ability.

Rivers led the Colts to the postseason in his final season at an age older than Newton is now. Newton, on the other hand, was floundering in his second stint with the Panthers. He went 0-5 in his five starts for Carolina in 2021, throwing four touchdowns to five interceptions. He also didn’t even eclipse 700 yards passing despite playing almost a third of the season.

In the 2020 season as a member of the Patriots, Newton threw eight touchdowns to 10 picks. He finished the year with a 7-8 record. Granted he did rush for an additional 822 yards and 17 touchdowns over that same span, but obviously reality shows just how useful all those touchdowns were winning 33 percent of your games.

The last time we saw Philip Rivers, he was in the playoffs. The last time we saw Cam Newton, he did this https://t.co/X5HXRjPCt3 pic.twitter.com/rCDEcKSvSA

— Jarrett Bailey (@JBaileyNFL) December 11, 2025

This whole thing is just ridiculous and Newton should know better. He knows what he did during his final two seasons in the NFL and he should know the league well enough to acknowledge why he slowly faded from the field in the first place.

The NFL world thanks him for the memories and the notable career he had. Beyond that, I don’t think he should be griping about who is getting a shot over who when the two guys involved couldn’t be further from each other as players.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ed-by-colts-signing-44-year-old-philip-rivers

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers sign TE Tanner McLachlan to practice squad

On Thursday morning, the Chargers announced the signing of tight end Tanner McLachlan to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, the team is releasing rookie center Josh Kaltenberger.

McLachlan is a former sixth-round pick of the Bengals in 2024 while simultaneously being a sixth-round pick in that year’s CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders. McLachlan did not appear in any games for the Bengals and was eventually part of final cutdowns this past August.

we've signed TE tanner mclachlan to the practice squad and released C josh kaltenberger from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/4dAnSPtVR4

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 11, 2025

McLachlan had a notable career at the University of Arizona where he played from 2022-2023. After two years at at Southern Utah, McLachlan transferred upwards and found success immediately. In his first season at a Power 5 school, he recorded 34 receptions for 456 yards and two touchdowns. He improved on those numbers in his final season with 45 catches for 528 yards and four scores.

At the NFL Combine, McLachlan ran a 4.61 40-yard dash at 6’5 and 241 pounds. He was a vertical threat and seam stretched for the Wildcats with a skillset that looked like it would transfer well to the NFL. Now he lands with a team looking for tight end depth with a shot at impressing in the final weeks of the season.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...rs-sign-te-tanner-mclachlan-to-practice-squad