The Los Angeles Chargers kicked the ball off to the Denver Broncos at 1:05, by 1:30 three pivotal players and one head coach were ruled questionable to return. And that was just the start of the injuries.
In the span of just a few minutes, Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain left the field with a head injury, and then Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was escorted off the field with symptoms of an illness, followed shortly by a limping wide receiver, Quentin Johnson. Later, it was reported that rookie wide receiver, Ladd McConkey, was being examined for a concussion. Hayden Hurst was also seen heading toward the locker room with training staff.
Jim Harbaugh made his return to the field in the first quarter.
As the second quarter started, Jamaree Salyer replaced Rashawn Slater at left tackle. Slater was listed as questionable with a pectoral injury this week. Slater took his position on the line with approximately 4:30 left in the 2nd quarter
Slew Of Injuries Makes Impact On Chargers Game
Surtain, who was just named AFC Defensive Player of the Week, was injured on the first Chargers offensive play of the day. He was hurt when attempting to tackle McConkey and his head slammed into the turf. Surtain was officially ruled out of the game.
Johnston came up hobbled just a few plays later. Johnston caught two passes on two targets for 14 yards. He has emerged as Justin Herbert’s preferred red zone target. Johnston already has three touchdowns, surpassing this rookie season’s total of two in 17 games. Johnston returned to the game with a noticeable limp.
It is unclear when McConkey was injured. He has been the Chargers’ top-receiving option and most productive with 24 targets, 15 catches, and 176 yards. McConkey returned to action, only to leave later in the series. He went to the blue medical tent for the second time in the day. McConkey returned to the game, seemingly unaffected by the previous injury.
Hurst’s injury is reportedly a groin, but he spent the week on the injury report with an Achilles injury. Hurst was officially ruled out.
The Chargers were already without edge rusher Joey Bosa, and defensive backs Asante Samuel Jr. and Ja’Sir Taylor.
