Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) reacts during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
This afternoon’s game between the San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals has to be one of the most captivating contests this Sunday, as the Chargers are still looking to find ways to scrounge out enough wins to sneak into the playoffs and put three AFC West teams in. While the Kansas City Chiefs have had the biggest turnaround, I think the Chargers turnaround has been more remarkable since they are doing it with less overall talent (and less offseason additions). Philip Rivers is truly the league’s MVP, and I sincerely think that this team would only be at two or three wins if you replaced him with a replacement-level QB. Today’s game is a big test for the Chargers, whereas the Bengals are easily a playoff team. Below are the injury reports for both teams.
San Diego Chargers
Doubtful
LT King Dunlap (neck)- He’s made an incredible turnaround this season to give Rivers a very good LT for the first time since Marcus McNeill, but he’s had horrid luck with injuries this year.
WR Eddie Royal (chest)- Royal was bounced out of last week’s upset win over the Chiefs with a chest injury, and he was unable to practice all week after initially being expected to play.
Questionable
S Darrell Stuckey (concussion)
LB Jarret Johnson (hand)
Probable
DE Lawrence Guy (toe)
RB Ryan Mathews (hamstring)- He practiced fully on Friday and is a full-go this afternoon.
DE Corey Liuget (shin)
RT D.J. Fluker (knee)
WR Seyi Ajirotutu (hamstring)
LS Mike Windt (ankle)
TE Antonio Gates (hamstring)- Although he recently called his injury “tricky”, he’s good-to-go today.
C Nick Hardwick (neck)
Cincinnati Bengals
Out
G Kevin Zeitler (foot)
Questionable
LB Vontaze Burfict (ankle)- Burfict’s status is totally up in the air for today’s game, but the Bengals have enough depth to make due without the All-Pro candidate this week.
Probable
LB Rey Maualuga (knee)
WR Brandon Tate (ankle)
P Kevin Huber (left ankle)
S Chris Crocker (hamstring)
LB Michael Boley (shoulder)
DT Devon Still (elbow)