The Los Angeles Chargers‘ injuries on their offense showed their effects against the Kansas City Chiefs last week. They were forced to play without three players who make up 53 percent of the team’s offensive yards from scrimmage.
WR McConkey In For Chargers
Ahead of their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one of those players and top offensive player Ladd McConkey was listed as questionable, and according to Fox NFL Sunday’s Jay Glazer, was a game-time decision. While it is still unknown how much the rookie will contribute, he is officially active for the game.
The Chiefs game was McConkey’s first missed game due to injury in his short career, but he has been on the injury report for nine straight weeks after injuring his hip against the Denver Broncos in Week 6. In his absence, the Chargers were only able to muster 140 yards of passing to their wide receivers. McConkey has averaged 68 yards per game so far this season and has averaged 94 yards over the last four games.
RB Irving In For Buccaneers
For the Buccaneers, their top running back, rookie Bucky Irving is also officially active for the game against the Chargers — which may be just as important to Tampa Bay as McConkey means to the Chargers. Irving leads the team and all rookies with 735 rushing yards and, between him and Rachaad White has led the Buccs to the 6th most efficient rushing game in the league. This also opens up opportunities for quarterback Baker Mayfield in the passing game.
TE Dissly Out Vs. Buccs
Tight end Will Dissly, Justin Herbert’s second-most targeted player had been ruled out for the game and was officially announced as inactive before the game. With Hayden Hurst still on the injured reserve, the Chargers will be forced to rely on Stone Smartt and Tucker Fisk at tight end. Eric Tomlinson is also on the active roster at tight end.
Smartt was the standout from a pass-catching standpoint, hauling in three passes for 54 yards — all seemingly in extremely high-leverage situations. Fisk was the better blocker in both phases of the offense but also caught one target, which went for no yards.