San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews (24) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Chargers held their final practice of the week as they get ready to face the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. The Colts are coming off of a big upset win over the Seattle Seahawks, whereas the Chargers are coming off of a bitter, upset loss to the Oakland Raiders. They will almost certainly bounce back on Monday, and we should have ourselves a nice primetime game.
According to ESPN NFL Nation’s Eric D. Williams, linebackers Jarret Johnson and Donald Butler were not able to practice today, and Johnson is set to miss this week’s game after not practicing all week. Butler’s status is murkier (in a good way), but it looks like he won’t be playing either now that he has missed two straight practices. Butler recently aggravated a groin injury, and losing both LBs would be big blows to the Chargers defense.
At least the offensive lines are healthy, as starting tackles D.J. Fluker and King Dunlap were able to practice. Fluker was able to get some practice in yesterday for the first time all week after injuring his calf against the Raiders, and he is definitely on track to play Monday. The first-round pick out of Alabama has looked good this season, and he has been astute in pass pro; that was viewed as a weakness for him coming into the season. Dunlap was cleared to return to practice a couple of days ago, and the concussion injury won’t keep him out of the Colts game. The Chargers can’t afford to lose Dunlap, because Mike Harris was placed on the injured reserve earlier this week; the Chargers depth at tackle is definitely an issue again.
Running back Ryan Mathews was able to practice today after finally practicing yesterday, but he still hasn’t been cleared from a concussion. Since he practiced today, I anticipate Mathews playing on Monday.
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