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AFC West Preview: Los Angeles Chargers will contend again

By Ellen Mathis

CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after a short run in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Running back Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after a short run in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Baltimore Ravens after the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Chargers defeated the Ravens with a score of 23 to 17. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 06: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Baltimore Ravens after the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Chargers defeated the Ravens with a score of 23 to 17. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Notable Injuries

It wouldn’t be a column about the Chargers if there wasn’t some sort of major injury to report on. Seriously, someone crossed paths with a black cat or broke a mirror or spilled the salt because the Chargers cannot get through an offseason without some sort of major season ending injury. I almost feel bad for them?

The major injury the Chargers suffered this offseason was to standout safety Derwin James. After suffering a foot injury, James was placed on injured reserve and is expected to miss at least half the season—and that is being optimistic. Most believe he will be ready between Thanksgiving and the playoffs. This is a huge blow to the Chargers because when James was on the field, the Chargers fared much better in one point games going a league best 6-1 last year.

Additionally, the Chargers are starting without left tackle Russell Okung. Okung was placed on the non-football injury list due to a pulmonary embolism. While he is out a guaranteed six weeks, it is unclear whether he will be back at the end of those six weeks. Former undrafted free agent Trent Scott is expected to start in his place.

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