Austin Ekeler, Derwin James questionable for Chargers vs Chiefs

The Los Angeles Chargers announced their final injury designations before their upcoming game against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15, and it’s possible for the team to be without a few key players in the AFC West showdown.

The team announced on Wednesday that four players were designated as questionable, including running back Austin Ekeler and defensive backs Derwin James, Alohi Gilman and Asante Samuel, Jr.

The Chargers and Chiefs open this week of the NFL’s regular-season schedule with a Thursday Night Football game that could prove to be more important than almost any other game on the schedule for either franchise. With the way the schedule has worked out so far, the Chiefs are 9-4 with a single game lead over the 8-5 Chargers yet the Chargers have already won the first meeting between the division rivals back in Week 3. That means control of the AFC West goes to the winner of this week’s game.

The Chiefs already announced some injury news of their own that should change the way the game flows. Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. is in COVID protocols for the Chiefs and has been designated as out. The same can be said of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed who has been attending to familial concerns after the tragic stabbing of his brother last week. Sneed also missed the Chiefs’ recent win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 14.

The Chiefs also have defensive tackle Chris Jones and wide receiver Josh Gordon in COVID protocols but no official statement has been made about the availability of either player has been made.