Chargers eager to play spoiler vs. Rams with | College News
Although All-Pro security Derwin James Jr. will miss his fourth consecutive sport because of a hamstring injury, the winless Chargers are coming off their bye week with some much-needed reinforcements.
Wide receivers Ladd McConkey (concussion) and Tre’ Harris (hamstring) and offensive sort out Joe Alt (neck) are all set to play Sunday against the Rams at SoFi Stadium.
“It’s a good thing,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “It’s good to have them back out there. Good work put in. Feel good about the preparation and feel like we’re in a good place, ready to go.”
Harris and McConkey have been the Chargers’ top two receivers when obtainable this season. Harris leads the workforce in receptions (15), receiving yards (225) and targets (26), while McConkey is correct behind him with 13 receptions for 200 yards on 18 targets.
And Alt’s return immediately improves the Chargers’ banged-up offensive line, which has allowed Justin Herbert — who carries a league-worst 29.4 quarterback score — to be sacked 9 occasions in the 2 video games the offensive sort out has missed.
“Regrouping. Retooling. Thought it was a really good week of preparation,” Harbaugh said.
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and his unit desperately need all arms on deck.
The Chargers are averaging a league-worst 15 factors per sport and are tied for the second-fewest yards per play (4.6).
“I spend all of my time focusing on the best plan for the players that we have available this week, to attack the defense we have,” McDaniel said. “And then you have to illustrate, in a good manner, what the vision is for how we’re going to play and improve the results.”
McConkey, Harris and Alt returning will help McDaniel’s trigger, particularly as wideout Brenen Thompson (quad/hamstring) stays out alongside key offensive linemen Rashawn Slater (ankle) and Kayode Awosika (fibula).
Meanwhile, the Chargers’ protection, which permits the eighth-fewest passing yards per sport (206.2), must maintain the fort again without James, who suffered a rehab setback.
“You can’t replace Derwin,” defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary said. “It’s not possible. He’s one of the best in the league, if not the best in the league.”
That job will likely be even more durable if cornerbacks Donte Jackson and Rodney Shelley, who are both questionable with hamstring accidents, can’t play.
“For us, our message from the offseason to now is: team defense,” O’Leary said. “Play together. We’re not going to put too much on one guy’s plate. … And that’s really just spiked, now that Derwin’s out.
“It’s just a group effort, and I think the guys have done a great job.”
O’Leary’s protection has bent but not often damaged all season.
McDaniel’s offense, however, might use a breakout efficiency. And with more of Herbert’s main targets absolutely healthy, there’s no better time than Sunday.
“It was much-needed,” Herbert said of the bye.
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