News Chargers Team Notes

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers sign S Marcus Williams to practice squad

On Tuesday morning, the Chargers announced a handful of roster transactions following a group workout to begin the week.

Defensive depth is on the way as the team signed veteran safety Marcus Williams and defensive tackle Kyle Peko. In a pair of corresponding moves, the Chargers are releasing both wide receiver Luke Grimm and running back Nyheim Miller-Hines from the practice squad.

we've signed DL kyle peko and S marcus williams to the practice squad + released WR luke grimm and RB nyheim hines from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/5boGL24UYF

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 28, 2025

Williams is an eight-year veteran who has enjoyed two long stints with both the Saints and Ravens. Most recently, Williams started 30 games or the Ravens from 2022-2024. From 2017-2021, Williams started all 76 games he played in for the Saints. Williams brings 20 career interceptions and 56 pass breakups to a secondary that’s currently dealing with some bumps and bruises.

The 32-year old Peko was most recently with the Lions where he started one game and played in five total during the 2024 season. He has 14 career starts in seven years to go with two sacks and five tackles for loss.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...gers-sign-s-marcus-williams-to-practice-squad

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers vs. Titans By The Numbers: You have to feel bad for Tennessee, right?

The Chargers (5-3) are in the midst of their mini bye between last Thursday’s win over the Vikings and this week’s game against the lowly Titans (1-7). They’re coming off their most complete game in weeks to help right the ship following the lopsided loss to the Colts and a game against Tennessee is just what the doctor ordered to help keep that positive momentum going.

A win this week would push the Chargers to 6-3 before they host the Steelers in primetime in Week 10. If they can pull off a win there, they’re 7-3 and have games against the Jaguars and Raiders.

A record of 9-3 before the final five-game stretch of the season — one that includes dates with the Eagles, Chiefs, and Broncos, would give the Chargers a lot of room for error.

Here’s to hoping they handle business the next four games!

With that said, here’s a quick screenshot of how these two teams fare on paper after the first eight weeks of the season.

Let’s dive in!

Chargers Offense​

Total yards per game: 378.5 (4th)
Points per game: 23.5 160th)
Passing yards per game: 255.4 (4th)
Rushing yards per game: 123.1 (12th)

Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 2,140 passing yards, 16 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Omarion Hampton – 314
Rushing touchdowns: RB Omarion Hampton – 2
Receiving yards: WR Keenan Allen – 479
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 48
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 5

Chargers Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 296.9 (7th)
Points allowed per game: 21.6 (12th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 184.53 (6th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 112.4 (17th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 52
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 9
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 6
Passes Defended: CB Tarheeb Still – 6
Interceptions: S Tony Jefferson – 2
Forced fumbles: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, DT Teair Tart – 1
Fumble recoveries: DT Teair Tart – 1

Titans Offense​

Total yards per game: 248.8 (32nd)
Points per game: 13.8 (32nd)
Passing yards per game: 168.4 (31st)
Rushing yards per game: 80.4 (32nd)

Top Performers

Passing: QB Cam Ward – 1,615 passing yards, 5 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Tony Pollard – 424
Rushing touchdowns: RB Tony Pollard – 2
Receiving yards: WR Calvin Ridley – 290
Receptions: TE Chig Okonkwo – 27
Receiving Touchdowns: WR Elic Ayomanor – 2

Titans Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 358.4 (26th)
Points allowed per game: 28.8 (29th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 215.8 (17th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 142.6 (26th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Cedric Gray – 76
Tackles for loss: DT Jeffery Simmons – 8
Sacks: DT Jeffery Simmons – 4.5
Passes Defended: S Amani Hooker – 6
Interceptions: LB Cody Barton – 2
Forced fumbles: DT Jeffery Simmons – 1
Fumble recoveries: 3 players tied w/ 1

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...bers-you-have-to-feel-bad-for-tennessee-right

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Titans Wednesday Injury Report: OG Mekhi Becton DNP to begin Week 9

The Chargers practiced for the first time in Week Nine and it came with an injury report that’s a bit longer than most would like during a mini bye. Even with an extended rest between their last game and this first practice, there are still 11 players who carried an injury designation on Wednesday.

Five players were non-participants with right guard Mekhi Becton the most notable name who sat out with a knee injury. Tight end Will Dissly (illness), running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring), safety Tony Jefferson (hamstring), and cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee) were the other DNPs on the day.

Wednesday injury report for #Chargers and Titans pic.twitter.com/qGSuvqVhS5

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 29, 2025

The other seven players on the report were all limited participants. They were headlined by team captain and safety Derwin James who is dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out for most of last Thursday’s win. The other limited participants in practice were offensive tackle Austin Deculus (ankle), cornerback Deane Leonard (knee), wideout Ladd McConkey (calf), offensive guard Jamaree Salyer (knee), and safety Kendall Williamson (achilles).

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ry-report-og-mekhi-becton-dnp-to-begin-week-9

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Titans Thursday Injury Report: Mekhi Becton, Will Dissly see improvement

The Chargers’ injury report for Thursday got a little bit bigger over the last 24 hours as two new names were added to the list.

Cornerback Cam Hart (DNP) was added with an undisclosed illness while long snapper Josh Harris practice in a limited fashion after having his return window from IR activated earlier in the day.

Several players made improvements from Wednesday, headlined by right guard Mekhi Becton (knee) who went from DNP to limited and Will Dissly (illness) who followed the same path.

Safety Derwin James also progressed with his ankle injury as he logged a full practice after being limited the day before.

Running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring), safety Tony Jefferson (hamstring), and cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee) were all once again DNP, but luckily those were the only three who were sidelined completely.

For the second consecutive practice, wide receiver Ladd McConkey (calf), safety Kendall Williamson (achilles), offensive guard Jamaree Salyer (knee), cornerback Deane Leonard (knee) and offensive tackle Austin Deculus (ankle) were all limited.

thursday's #LACvsTEN injury report pic.twitter.com/gmzSr5ahfp

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 30, 2025

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...port-mekhi-becton-will-dissly-see-improvement

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Chargers-Titans Predictions Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Here’s how Chargers rookies helped shape the first half of their 2025 season (Chargers.com)

Josh Harris hopes to return soon following freak injury during the preseason (Chargers.com)

What players could be on the Chargers’ radar during this year’s trade deadline? (Chargers Wire)

Could Oronde Gadsden have pushed to make NFL history if he wasn’t inactive early on? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Lamar Jackson’s return from injury was too much for the Dolphins on Thursday night (ESPN)

The Cardinals are preparing Kyler Murray to start against the Cowboys (ESPN)

Ranking the 10 scariest players for Halloween (CBS Sports)

Cameron Heyward knows the Steelers defense has to be better (NFL.com)

Mike McDaniel knows he needs to give the Dolphins fan base something worth cheering for (Pro Football Talk)

Three landing spots for Maxx Crosby if the Raiders decide to trade him (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...aily-links-chargers-titans-predictions-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Titans Final Injury Report: Mekhi Becton questionable for Week 9

The Chargers may have their healthiest offensive line since Week Three is starting right guard Mekhi Becton can play after being listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report of Week Nine. He’s one of four players who were listed a questionable against the Titans, joining cornerback Deane Leonard (knee), tight end Will Dissly (illness), and long snapper Josh Harris (chest). Harris had his 21-day return window activated this week as he still remains on injured reserve from an injury he sustained during the preseason.

The players who have already been ruled out this week are running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring), safety Tony Jefferson (hamstring), and cornerback Tarheeb Still (achilles). With Still sidelined this week, expect rookie UDFA cornerback Nikko Reed get a shot at playing in the slot this week. Reed impressed in the preseason and it earned him a spot on the Chargers’ final 53-man roster to begin the regular season.

Final injury report for #Chargers and Titans pic.twitter.com/rI4Aw7fXq8

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 31, 2025

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...y-report-mekhi-becton-questionable-for-week-9

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

3 things to watch for in Chargers-Titans: Let the pass rush off the leash

The Chargers (5-3) are on the road this week to face the Titans (1-7) in Nashville.

Los Angeles is coming off a dominant win over the Vikings behind stellar performances by their quarterback Justin Herbert and running back Kimani Vidal. Joe Alt’s return from a high ankle sprain was also key in unlocking the offense’s potential once more.

This week, they face a Titans team that’s swirling around the bottom of the barrel. They’re last in most offensive categories while the defense isn’t faring much better. It’s a prime opportunity to get a free mark in the win column ahead of Week 10’s matchup at home with the Steelers.

With that said, here are three things I’ll be watching for when these teams take the field on Sunday.

1.) Can the Chargers dominate for the second consecutive week?​

The Chargers came out and romped over a 3-3 Vikings team to get back to two games over .500 on the season. Their 37-10 victory was a reminder that, when healthy, the Chargers are still a dangerous football team.

Looking ahead, the Bolts are entering what could be a pivotal stretch of their season in regards to their postseason hopes. Their next four games are coming against the Titans (1-7) this weekend, Steelers (4-3), Jaguars (4-3), and Raiders (2-5). The Titans and Raiders games should be givens. Emphasis on the SHOULD BE. The Steelers have been up-and-down with their defense regressing a bit this year compared to recent campaigns. Then there’s the Jaguars who aren’t as good lately as they looked to begin the year.

If the Chargers can take care of business and win these next four games, they’d sit at 9-3 ahead of a final five-game stretch that includes games against the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Texans, and Broncos.

The best case scenario is that the Chargers get to 9-3 and then attempt to split the final five games either at 3-2 or 2-3. Heck, even if they somehow drop 4 of the final five, you’re still at 10-7 and likely in the playoffs. I cannot stress how important it is that the Bolts continue to stay hot and take care of business over the next month.

2.) Could we see an increase in snaps for several rookies against a lowly opponent?​

Last week against the Vikings, rookie safety R.J. Mickens was pressed into starter snaps following the injuries to both Derwin James and Tony Jefferson. He impressed by grabbing his first interception to help bury Minnesota late in the game. This week, there’s a chance either one of James or Jefferson is sidelined entirely (or partially) which could lead to more snaps once again for Mickens, especially if the Chargers want to play it safe with their veterans.

One other name to look for when it comes to an increased first-year wideout Tre’ Harris who caught his first professional touchdown against the Vikings. After seeing no more than 25 snaps through the first five games of the season, Harris has now recorded 53, 33, and 42 snaps, respectively, in each of his last three outings. He’s been arguably the team’s best run blocker amongst the wide receivers and you can see the coaching staff’s trust growing for him each week. If the Chargers can build a decent lead against Tennessee on Sunday, I’d expect to see Harris get more play in place of Keenan Allen whom the team may not want to risk in garbage time.

3.) How will the Chargers harass rookie quarterback Cam Ward?​

Entering Week Eight and just two days before the Chargers took on the Vikings, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper posted this on X:

Justin Herbert has been hit 62 times this season, most in the league. Only one other QB (Cam Ward) has been hit more than 44 times this season. pic.twitter.com/27yPy9meHv

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 21, 2025

Not only does this show how bad the protection was for Herbert without Joe Alt protecting his blindside, but it also highlights just how bad things have been this year for Tennessee quarterback Cam Ward. He’s been protected by a handful of different tackles due to injuries, but none have been worse than Dan Moore Jr. who leads the team with five sacks allowed and 21 pressures. One other tackle has five sacks allowed as well (JC Latham) but the next closest player in pressures has just 13 (Oli Udoh).

The Chargers performance is coming off a performance where they sacked Carson Wentz five times. Now Ward is a bit more mobile than Wentz, but the Bolts have some athletes to get after him if the Titans protection continues their rough first half of the season. Jesse Minter was able to utilize personnel packages on defense that featured the trio of Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Odafe Oweh and all three of them managed to take down Wentz at least once.

I’d say let’s keep the formula the same until it stops getting the job done.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...argers-titans-let-the-pass-rush-off-the-leash

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Titans Live Game Recap: Bolts must sink layup in Tennessee

The phrase “any given Sunday” was coined because, well, just about anything can happen whenever two NFL teams are matched up, regardless if what their respective records may be.

Today, the 5-3 Chargers are on the road to face the 1-7 Titans. Tennessee is dead last in total offense and averages less than 170 passing yards with a rushing average just over 80 yards per game. It’s about as cake of a matchup as the team could want, especially with their defense expected to be without both cornerback Tarheeb Still and safety Tony Jefferson.

Defensively, the Titans are allowing over 140 yards per game on the ground this year and that unit is going to be without two-time Second-Team All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and edge rusher Arden Key. If there was another ideal matchup for running back Kimani Vidal to go over 100 yards rushing for the third time in the past four games, this is it.

A win today sets the Chargers up at 6-3 with their next three matchups against the 4-3 Steelers (Sunday Night Football), the 4-3 Jaguars, and the 2-5 Raiders. If the Bolts can run the gauntlet and come out on top against these teams, they’ll be primed for a playoff run through a five-game stretch to end the year that includes the Eagles, Chiefs, and Broncos.

But first, you have to be able to handle the layups. That starts today.

For an entire quarter-by-quarter recap of tonight’s game, check it out below.

First Quarter​

Second Quarter​

Third Quarter​

Fourth Quarter​

• Chargers vs. Titans: How to watch, game time, TV schedule, streaming, and more
• Chargers-Titans Final Injury Report: Mekhi Becton questionable for Week 9
• 3 things to watch for in Chargers-Titans: Let the pass rush off the leash
• Chargers-Titans Thursday Injury Report: Mekhi Becton, Will Dissly see improvement
• Chargers vs. Titans By The Numbers: You have to feel bad for Tennessee, right?

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...game-recap-bolts-must-sink-layup-in-tennessee

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers OT Joe Alt may require procedure on re-injured ankle

The Chargers waited nearly a month to have left tackle Joe Alt back in the lineup. Behind him, the Bolts beat the Vikings in lopsided fashion in Week Eight. A week later, the team’s star blocker is now likely out for most of, if not the remainder of the year, following being rolled up on halfway through the second quarter against the Titans.

Per NFL insider Adam Schefter, Alt suffered another high ankle sprain on the same ankle he injured against the Giants in Week Four. However, he reports that Alt may require a surgical procedure this time to fix the issue. If that is the case, Alt will most certainly land on IR for an extended period of time.

Chargers LT Joe Alt is believed to have suffered another high ankle sprain, only this time it could require a procedure to repair, per sources. Alt will undergo an MRI on Monday to confirm the diagnosis on the same right ankle he injured earlier this season at the Giants. pic.twitter.com/pyt12XwncQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 2, 2025

The Chargers may also be without right tackle Bobby Hart for some time, as well, after he suffered both a groin and ankle injury against Tennessee. Hart had recently won the starting right tackle job over Trey Pipkins and had started there each of the past two weeks with Pipkins active.

After Alt was carted off, Jamaree Salyer was forced into the lineup on the blindside over Austin Deculus who started three games there during Alt’s first absence. As of now, it remains to be seen what the team’s starting line will be next Sunday, but chances are that it won’t look all that great barring a move before the trade deadline.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...alt-may-require-procedure-on-re-injured-ankle

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers open up as betting favorites ahead of Week 10 vs. Steelers

The Los Angeles Chargers are hoping to stay in the win column as they welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers for Week 10.

The Chargers are coming off of a 27-20 win against the Tennessee Titans in Week 9, but a stronger opponent is on deck in the Steelers for Sunday Night Football this week. However, FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Chargers as a 3-point favorite over the Steelers.

The Steelers are fresh off of their biggest win of the season, an identical 27-20 victory, but it came against the Indianapolis Colts, who had only lost once earlier in the year before playing at Acrisure Stadium.

The Chargers will also face a challenge with offensive tackle Joe Alt suffering another injury with his right ankle. Alt missed time earlier in the year with the ailing ankle, but he is likely going back to the sidelines for this week against the Steelers.

Meanwhile, the Steelers are also banged up. Offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo suffered a pectoral injury against the Colts, while linebacker Cole Holcomb and defensive backs Jabrill Peppers and Chuck Clark also missed the game.

This game will give the Chargers a chance to find out how strong they truly are. This could be a playoff preview in the AFC, so winning this contest will give the victor a ton of confidence to kick off the second half of the season.

Kickoff between the Steelers and Chargers is set for Sunday at 5:20 p.m. PT from SoFi Stadium. Fans can watch the game on NBC or stream it on Peacock.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...etting-favorites-ahead-of-week-10-vs-steelers

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers RB Omarion Hampton not expected to return until after Week 12 bye

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh gave a reporters a number of newsworthy nuggets on Monday during his usual presser. Aside from the bombshell about Joe Alt having season-ending ankle surgery, Harbaugh also informed members of the media that rookie running back Omarion Hampton would not be returning from IR until after the team’s Week 12 bye.

Jim Harbaugh said he doesn’t think the Chargers will open the window for running back Omarion Hampton to return from IR until after the Week 12 bye.

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) November 3, 2025

The budding star whom the Chargers selected in the first round of this year’s draft was on pace to record over 1,000 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards as a rookie before going down with an ankle injury he sustained against the Washington Commanders in Week Five.

This news means that the Chargers will have to rely on the duo of Kimani Vidal and Jaret Patterson to keep their rushing game afloat for the next three games against the Steelers, Jaguars, and Raiders. Should anything happen to either of those two, the Chargers will have Amar Johnson next in line who was elevated to the active roster against the Titans.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ot-expected-to-return-until-after-week-12-bye

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Power Rankings Roundup: Bolts fall despite win over Titans

The Chargers moved to 6-3 with a 27-20 win over the Titans in Week Nine. Ahead of their bye in Week 12, they have a primetime game against the Steelers (Sunday Night Football) and dates with the Jaguars and Raiders.

Let’s go ahead and see where the Chargers landed this week amongst the media’s various power rankings!

ESPN – #12

“It’s been 12 years since the Chargers swept the Chiefs. In one of the league’s most competitive divisions, this game could mean the difference in a playoff spot. But beyond that, sweeping the proverbial big brother of the AFC West would give the Chargers more confidence as they look to contend for the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. In their opening game of the season, the Bolts beat the Chiefs in Brazil, which Harbaugh called “monumental.” – Kris Rhim

Pro Football Talk – #12

“Losing Joe Alt for the season is going to be a problem.“ – Mike Florio

Bleacher Report – #12

“The Los Angeles Chargers also escaped with a tough road victory in a week when other top teams, including the Packers, Lions and Colts, suffered setbacks.”

“The Chargers didn’t run the ball particularly well and gave up defensive and special teams touchdowns, but they still got a win to keep pace in the AFC West.”

“Unfortunately, those Week 9 issues aren’t as alarming as the ankle injury that led to Joe Alt being carted off the field.”

“Los Angeles has shown perseverance in the face of injury adversity this season, but losing Alt for any extended period would be a massive blow.” – Kris Knox

CBS Sports – #12

“Losing Joe Alt again is a big hit for this team’s offense. They are winning games, but how good are they?” – Pete Prisco

Yahoo Sports – #13

“We’ve seen the Chargers’ o-line without Joe Alt this season and it’s not pretty. His season-ending injury is a big problem for L.A. And there’s usually not many decent offensive linemen available on the trade market.“ – Frank Schwab

The Athletic – #14

“The Joe Alt injury could change their outlook, especially with Rashawn Slater already out. But if there’s a head coach who can get the most out of his offensive line, it’s Jim Harbaugh.” – Josh Kendall

Sporting News – #14

The Chargers got sloppy again in Tennessee until Justin Herbert got into his gunslinging groove. The results are still there but the process can get better, starting with the Steelers in Week 10.” – Vinnie Iyer

USA Today – #20

Sadly, the Joe Alt-less Bolts are a much different team than the the Joe Alt-ed version. Better luck next year, big man.“ – Nate Davis

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...gs-roundup-bolts-fall-despite-win-over-titans

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers trading for Saints OL Trevor Penning

The Chargers squeaked in a trade just before the league’s deadline past at 4:00 p.m. ET as it’s being reported they’re trading for Saints offensive lineman Trevor Penning. The deal is for a 2027 sixth round pick and teeters on a passed physical. Penning missed the first three weeks of the season with turf toe.

Trade comp: Saints traded OL Trevor Penning to the Chargers for a 2027 sixth-round pick. https://t.co/2bzaHgzzaI pic.twitter.com/nLFlfNr6gj

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2025

Penning is a former first-round pick out of the University of Northern Iowa and was originally drafted to play offense tackle. He began as a left tackle for New Orleans but missed 11 games with a torn ligament in his foot. The following year in 2023, Penning started five games and played in all 17 at left tackle. In 2024, he switched sides o the line and started all 17 games at right tackle.

Thus far in 2025, Penning has been playing left guard for the Saints since returning from injury in Week Four. Per Pro Football Focus, Penning is the 65th-ranked guard in the NFL out of 78 qualifying players. He has allowed three sacks and 15 total pressures in those six starts.

Now obviously the Chargers were not in the market for a left guard as Zion Johnson has arguably been the healthiest offensive linemen on the team since being drafted. This move looks like it was made with the intention of Penning returning to either one of the team’s tackle spots. With Joe Alt down and Bobby Hart dealing with a pair of injuries, it looks like it’ll be a group project with Trey Pipkins, Austin Deculus, and Jamaree Salyer to figure out which two players out of the four are the best options at left and right tackle going forward.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...chargers-trading-for-saints-ol-trevor-penning

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers’ Odafe Oweh exceeds everybody’s pass-rush expectations

Throughout the 2025 NFL season, SB Nation’s Doug Farrar will write about the game’s Secret Superstars — those players whose performances might slip under the radar for whatever reasons. In this installment, we focus on Chargers edge-rusher Odafe Oweh, whose trade from Baltimore turned out to be one of those transactions that benefited everybody involved.

Tuesday marked one of the most impactful trade deadlines in recent NFL history, and perhaps one of the most impactful in the long run. But the trade that benefited both teams right off the bat in unexpected ways happened very much under the radar nearly a month ago. On October 7, the Chargers traded defensive back Alohi Gilman to the Baltimore Ravens for edge-rusher Odafe Oweh — the rare Double-Harbaugh Swap — and both players have excelled in their new homes.

While Gilman has patrolled the deep third in Baltimore’s defense, allowing Kyle Hamilton to be a game-changing box player, Oweh, the Ravens’ first-round pick in 2021, may be playing the best ball of his career. That’s something to say for a guy who had 11 sacks and 55 total pressures in 2024, but what Oweh has done since hitting the Los Angeles area is quite something.

Since Week 6, Oweh’s four sacks ties him with multiple players for third-best in the league, and his 12 pressures on just 77 pass-rushing snaps is top 10, as well. While the great and hugely underrated Tuli Tuipulotu leads the team with seven sacks and 45 total pressures this season, Oweh has become the force multiplier this defense needed. With Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack, and Oweh at his disposal, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter can dial up some really interesting pressure concepts.

At the time of the trade, Jim Harbaugh made quite the comparison when it came to Oweh.

“To me, he’s a lot like Khalil Mack,” Harbaugh said. “Direct rusher, has speed, has dip, has ability to set the edge. Been a very good, productive player, young player right in the prime of his career. Those things and others.”

The trade was made when Mack was on injured reserve, but Tuipulotu was already excited at what Oweh could bring to the fronts with a healthy Mack.

“It just brings an extra threat, [an] extra person everybody has got to worry about,” Tuipulotu said. “It helps everybody out. When the offense is game-planning against one person, it opens stuff up for other people. That’s kind of what it is so when he comes in, especially when K-Mack comes back, we’ll be stacked.”

“We’ve just got to build chemistry, show him the standard of what it is here at the Chargers. I think it will be easy for him to catch on with the defense, because they run something similar in Baltimore. We’re not worried about him going out there and playing hard; we just have to go out there and play together.”

Well, that’s certainly happened. Oweh’s four sacks in a Chargers uniform have come out of some fascinating pressure packages. The second one he had against the Tennessee Titans last Sunday in the Chargers’27-20 win came on third-and-8 with 11:31 left in the game. Oweh and Tuipulotu were lined up together on the defensive right side, with Mack on the left, and linebacker Daiyan Henley as the fifth rusher. When Tuipulotu stunted inside with defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe, and Oweh gave left tackle Dan Moore Jr. a wicked spin move, that was that for Tennessee’s protection.

it's amazing what you can do with your pass-rush plans when you have khalil mack, tuli tuipulotu, and odafe oweh on the field at the same time pic.twitter.com/uoFRBgduhR

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) November 5, 2025

Not that Oweh needs a ton of trickeration to get home to the quarterback — two of his four sacks with the Chargers have come in four-man fronts, where it’s up to the edge guy to beat his man. Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8, Oweh took tight end T.J. Hockenson and right tackle Walter Rouse to the woodshed on the way to Carson Wentz.

Odafe Oweh getting a Hockenson/Rouse twofer on the way to Carson Wentz pic.twitter.com/jif8kE2Sai

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) November 5, 2025

Beyond the on-field performance, it’s easy to see that the chemistry is taking in all possible ways.

Down the road, as the 6-3 Chargers fight for contention in the AFC, it might be mentioned more often that the one trade that helped everybody involved happened nowhere near the deadline.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...weh-nfl-trade-baltimore-ravens-stats-analysis

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers vs. Steelers By The Numbers: Bolts must play squeaky clean against PIT

The Steelers are 5-3 on the season and in first place of their division despite having a down year by their own lofty standards. Mainly that’s due to the rest of the AFC North going through hell and back with their rosters, but first place is first place at the end of the day.

Mainly, the Steelers defense has been pretty bad this year outside of their recent win over the Colts. On the year, they’re the worst pass defense (even after adding Jalen Ramsey this offseason) and allow the third-most yards per game at 383.8.

This week, if the Chargers want to find a way to win in primetime inside their own stadium, they’ll need to play a clean game all while trying to mitigate their massive loss as of late. Joe Alt’s not coming back. They have who they have on the roster going forward not that the trade deadline has passed.

Can Jesse Minter find a way to bother the stoic Aaron Rodgers? Can the offense keep Herbert clean against the likes of T.J. Watt and the rest of the Steelers front? Boy, I sure hope so.

With that said, here’s a quick screenshot of how these two teams fare on paper after the first eight weeks of the season.

Let’s dive in!

Chargers Offense​

Total yards per game: 376.4 (5th)
Points per game: 23.9 (17th)
Passing yards per game: 250.6 (6th)
Rushing yards per game: 124.0 (10th)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 2,390 passing yards, 18 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Omarion Hampton – 314
Rushing touchdowns: RB Omarion Hampton – 2
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 524
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 50
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 6

Chargers Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 286.8 (6th)
Points allowed per game: 21.4 (12th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 177.1 (3rd)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 109.7 (17th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 61
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 10
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 7
Passes Defended: CB Tarheeb Still, CB Cam Hart – 6
Interceptions: S Tony Jefferson – 2
Forced fumbles: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, DT Teair Tart – 1
Fumble recoveries: DT Teair Tart – 1

Steelers Offense​

Total yards per game: 288.1 (28th)
Points per game: 25.3 (13th)
Passing yards per game: 200.9 (21st)
Rushing yards per game: 87.3 (30th)

Top Performers

Passing: QB Aaron Rodgers – 1,692 passing yards, 17 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Jaylen Warren 404
Rushing touchdowns: RB Kenneth Gainwell – 3
Receiving yards: WR D.K. Metcalf – 467
Receptions: WR D.K. Metcalf – 29
Receiving Touchdowns: WR D.K. Metcalf – 5

Steelers Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 383.3 (30th)
Points allowed per game: 24.4 (21st)
Passing yards allowed per game: 278.3 (32nd)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 105.5 (14th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Payton Wilson – 71
Tackles for loss: EDGE T.J. Watt, EDGE Nate Herbig – 6
Sacks: EDGE T.J. Watt – 5
Passes Defended: CB Joey Porter Jr. – 9
Interceptions: 8 players tied w/ 1
Forced fumbles: EDGE T.J. Watt, EDGE Nate Herbig – 2
Fumble recoveries: EDGE T.J. Watt- 2

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ers-bolts-must-play-squeaky-clean-against-pit

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Fan Survey, NFL Week 10: How confident are you?

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.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/los-angeles-chargers-news/61440/fan-survey-nfl-week-10-confidence

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Steelers Thursday Injury Report: CB Benjamin St-Juste dealing with groin injury

The Chargers’ second injury report of Week 10 got a little bit bigger from Wednesday as two new names were added in cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (groin) and wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring).

As for the players who were already on the report from Wednesday, both Khalil Mack and Keenan Allen returned from veteran days off.

Right guard Mekhi Becton logged another limited practice session as he continues to come back from a knee injury that kept him out of the team’s win over the Titans. Defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand was also limited in his return from IR (groin).

Long snapper Josh Harris was a full participant (chest) and could very well make his 2025 debut this week.

thursday's #PITvsLAC injury report pic.twitter.com/H7WmTNiPpR

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 6, 2025

For the second consecutive practice, cornerback Tarheeb Still was sidelined. This may come as frustrating news after Still told reporters following the win over the Vikings that he did not expect to miss much time, if at all. Right tackle Bobby Hart was also DNP for a second practice.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...b-benjamin-st-juste-dealing-with-groin-injury

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

3 things to watch for in Chargers-Steelers: Will new OL Trevor Penning make an instant splash?

The Steelers have long been a consistent and competitive team in the AFC under Mike Tomlin. That continues to be the case this year, especially in a season where the rest of the AFC North has been bombarded with notable injuries, including to star quarterback Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.

Pittsburgh has also long been associated with a tough and hard-nosed defense. That is the prime difference with this team compared to years past, however. They’re ranked 21st in the NFL with an average allowance of 24.4 points per game. They actually were even worse than that before putting a lid on the Colts in Week Nine.

Depending on which Steelers defense shows up could ultimately decide this matchup. That storyline, and several others, are amongst the things I’ll be watching closely when these two teams take the field on Sunday night.

1.) How will new OL Trevor Penning figure into the starting lineup?​

The Chargers made a move just before Tuesday’s deadline to add former Saints first-round pick Trevor Penning. Penning was drafted to play left tackle but has since seen an entire season of starts at right tackle and has played all but three games this season at left guard before being dealt.

Penning won’t be playing left guard for the Chargers, but he’s essentially got the chance to play either tackle spot or right guard if Mekhi Becton remains out. However, I think it’s a safe bet that Penning will be one of the team’s starting tackles against the Steelers.

Is that a good thing? Well, most of Penning’s starts in his career have come at right tackle (17) during the 2024 season. His 70.1 run blocking grade that year is the best single-season mark of his young career when he’s played at least 300 snaps. However, he was called for 13 penalties that year and allowed 54 pressures with five sacks. The hope is that Penning cleans up his game under Jim Harbaugh and his over-aggressive nature becomes more of a positive than a drawback.

With Bobby Hart expected to be out this week, I foresee Penning playing left tackle this week while Trey Pipkins plays right. It keeps both Penning and Pipkins on the sides they’ve been on all season which only sounds logical given the circumstances.

2.) Jesse Minter must exploit Steelers weak edge protection​

Entering Week 10, the starting tackle duo for the Steelers has allowed a combined 31 pressures and six sacks, per Pro Football Focus. Left tackle Broderick Jones leads the team with 18 pressures on the year and is responsible for all six of the aforementioned sacks.

Luckily, the Chargers have some pretty good edge rushers to try and exploit this weakness. Jesse Minter is seemingly getting the most out of Odafe Oweh as he’s recorded four sacks over the last four games, two of which came against the Titans in Week Nine. While he’s mainly played in a rotational/situational role, the Bolts are still getting consistent pressure from starter Tuli Tuipulotu. Khalil Mack isn’t stuffing the stat sheet at much in this phase of his career, but his presence is still felt off the stat sheet all the same.

I expect Minter to find a way to get Rodgers with some happy feet by shrinking the pocket as much as possible. Coming off his own game with a sack vs. Tennessee, linebacker Henley should be utilized once more on designed blitzes. In fact, add safety Derwin James to that list as well who has been phenomenal coming off the edge from his slot alignment.

Rodgers is as seasoned as they come so it’s fair to expect some chess to be played as he navigates and extends plays in a way only uber-experienced passers know how, but as long as the Chargers end up winning more often than not, they’ll be in a prime position to come out victorious in primetime.

3.) Oronde Gadsden could be in store for a big day vs. Steelers second-level defenders​

Steelers starting linebackers Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen have coverage grades of 55.6 and 29.8 entering Week 10, respectively, by Pro Football Focus. Wilson has allowed 31-of-34 (91.2 percent) targets his way to be completed for 288 yards (169 after the catch) and two touchdowns. Queen has allowed 38-of-51 targets (74.5 percent) to be completed for 477 yards (277 after the catch) and two touchdowns, as well.

Those are prime numbers to see if you’re hoping for a big day by Oronde Gadsden II in fantasy football, but it also bodes well for his chances of a big day to help lead the Chargers to victory at home. While both Wilson and Queen are athletic linebackers in their own right, these statistics show there’s some discrepancy between what they’re physically capable of compared to the obvious lapses in coverage they’re suffering.

Either way, the young tight end being able to exploit this weaknesses could help take a lot of pressure off the shoulders of Herbert and the rest of the offense.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-new-ol-trevor-penning-make-an-instant-splash

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Steelers Final Injury Report: OT Bobby Hart OUT vs. PIT

The final injury report of Week 10 has dropped for the Chargers and it looks like they’ll have their starting right guard back in Mekhi Becton (knee) who was a full participant Friday and came completely off the report.

Offensive tackle Bobby Hart (knee/ankle) is the lone player ruled out for the Chargers after he failed to practice in any fashion this week. With him out, Trey Pipkins is the likely candidate to start at right tackle this week. Newly-acquired Trevor Penning, Jamaree Salyer, 0r Austin Deculus will likely get the nod at left tackle against the Steelers.

full #PITvsLAC game status pic.twitter.com/wN2ff5FoBL

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 7, 2025

Cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee) is the lone doubtful player this week after he also did not log any practices.

Defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand (groin), long snapper Josh Harris (chest), wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring), cornerback Deane Leonard (knee), and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (groin) are all listed as questionable.

Hand had his activation window opened this week and he could be in line to return Sunday after logging a full practice on Friday.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-final-injury-report-ot-bobby-hart-out-vs-pit

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

5 Questions with Behind The Steel Curtain: PIT hoping Week 9 DEF shows face in primetime

This week we’re joined by Ryland Bickley of our Pittsburgh Steelers sister site, Behind The Steel Curtain, to help preview this week’s matchup with the Chargers.

A big shoutout to him for his help, and let’s go ahead and jump on in!

1.) How has the Aaron Rodgers experience been thus far for the Steelers? Are fans behind him 100 percent? Are there skeptics in regards to how far he can take the team this season?

There were plenty of — understandably — skeptical fans when the season started, but Rodgers has met expectations and then some during his time with the Steelers. He still has plenty of arm talent and the football IQ of a future Hall of Famer.

One hundred percent might be a little optimistic, but for the most part, the Pittsburgh fanbase has embraced Rodgers. And the drama issues he was knocked for in Green Bay haven’t made any sort of appearance this year.

Of course, while Rodgers has looked like the quarterback the Jets wanted to get back in 2023, he still isn’t the version of himself that won multiple MVPs with the Packers. Beyond just some expected regression in his natural abilities (namely, mobility), Rodgers’ unwillingness to push the ball deep has been the biggest flaw in his game this season.

Some of it is just the structure of the Steelers offense. But Rodgers has looked uncomfortable in the pocket at times, even with good protection, rushing to the check down as one of his first reads. He’s tied for the fastest time to throw in the NFL season at 2.59 seconds in 2025.

I wouldn’t say there are many Steelers fans who see this team making it deep in the playoffs. But I also wouldn’t put Rodgers as one of the main reasons why that’s the case.

2.) From an outside perspective, the Steelers defense looks to be underperforming compared to recent seasons. Is that the truth or are the numbers not the whole story? What’s the overall vibe about the group entering Week 10?

It’s definitely the truth. Even those of us who follow this team closely were shocked at just how flat the defense — the highest-paid in the league, by the way — has looked for much this season.

To be fair, there have been some real bright spots: namely, the wins over the Browns and Colts. But the defense has flip-flopped back and forth from looking like a top-10 unit to the worst in the league over the first half of the season.

Obviously, the reasons why are complicated. But to put it in a nutshell, it comes down to a three-ish main themes: A). The Steelers are one of the least schematically complex defenses in the league, and they still have communication struggles. B). The team is paying a lot of money to older stars who are still good, but not quite as great as they used to be. C). When the pass rush can’t get home, the secondary struggles to succeed.

Against Indianapolis last week, Pittsburgh switched from its usual single-high safety tendencies to mixing in a lot of two-high. The result? They slowed down the Colts’ quick game and kept Daniel Jones in the pocket long enough to get five sacks and a whopping five defensive turnovers.

One of the things I noticed this week when scouting the Los Angeles offense was how long Justin Herbert likes to hold onto the football. That, along with LA’s patchwork O-line, bodes well for Pittsburgh, but it’s still hard to tell which Steeler defense we’ll see from week to week.

3.) If you were Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, how would you go about trying to attack the Steelers defense? What matchups and players would you attempt to exploit?

The Steelers rushing defense has tightened up as the season has gone on, but there are still some holes in the passing game.

Veteran cornerback Darius Slay has been a real weak spot in both coverage and run support. At age 34, it finally seems Father Time has caught up to the six-time Pro Bowler.

And at linebacker, Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are the embodiment of the up-and-down performance we’ve seen from the defense as a whole this year. Both are hyper-athletic for their position and they can keep up with tight ends, but their zone coverage feel has been rough at times. I think the deep crossers LA loves to scheme up could be an issue on Sunday.

4.) If you were Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, how would you be planning to stop Rodgers and the Steelers offense? Which players would you have to keep an eye on the most?

The Steelers offense is a weird one, but when it’s rolling, it’s strangely fun to watch.

It’s based on a run game that uses 300-plus-pound tight end Darnell Washington and a sixth offensive lineman to bully the line of scrimmage.

Washington is the player to watch. He’s the rare tight end who can hold up against defensive ends one-on-one as a blocker, and he’s taken strides as a receiver this season.

Even the passing game is an extension of the run game outside of the occasional shot to D.K. Metcalf, with Rodgers distributing quick passes to his stable of tight ends and running backs.

If Minter can stop the run game and get Pittsburgh behind the sticks, Rodgers and co. will have a tough time getting the chunk gains needed to catch up. This is a team that loves passing behind the first down marker even on must-have third downs.

5.) Go ahead and give us a few lines on how you see this game shaking out and make sure to top it all off with a final score prediction.

This Steelers season has been a tough one to predict, but it does feel like Pittsburgh matches up well against the Chargers for the most part. Still, Justin Herbert, even with his weakened supporting cast, won’t be an easy out. This game could go in either direction, but I’ll say Pittsburgh wins 27-24.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...pit-hoping-week-9-def-shows-face-in-primetime