The Chargers cruised in their week 17 matchup against the Patriots. 40-7 is certainly a score to be proud of. But this victory came with some bitterness as well. It was heartbreaking for Jim Harbaugh and safety Elijah Molden, who was already nursing an earlier limp.

Non-contact injuries are every player’s nightmare. As the fans held their breath, the stadium fell eerily silent as they carried the young defender away. According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, the Chargers have labeled it as a shin injury.

While the specifics remain unclear, non-contact injuries often raise red flags for their severity. This wasn’t just a physical blow to Molden—it’s a gut punch to the Chargers, who are fighting to close out the season strong.

Molden’s departure comes at an especially tough time for the team. The 24-year-old has been a solid presence in the secondary and losing him disrupts a defense already stretched thin. As of now, all eyes are on further updates from the Chargers’ medical team. But if we are to go by Fox Sports’ report, then Molden has a broken fibula, which means that’s it for his season.

Elijah Molden’s unfortunate turn in the career year

Just when 2024 was shaping up to be his best ride yet, the injury bug came in for Elijah Molden. After three seasons with the Titans, Molden landed in Los Angeles via a 2026 seventh-round pick trade. Low risk, high reward? Absolutely. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter turned Molden into a breakout star, with career-highs across the board: 75 tackles, seven pass breakups, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Talk about leveling up, right?

But here’s where the story takes a tough turn. A shin injury derailed Molden’s stellar season in week 17, and now his future hangs in the balance. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract, and this injury could impact not only his chances of staying in L.A. but also how other teams view him in free agency. You hate to see it, especially for a guy who’s played lights-out all year.

What’s wild? Molden’s dominance isn’t new for anyone who followed his college days in Washington. He was a turnover machine, racking up interceptions, forced fumbles, and earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors twice. His instincts? Elite.

Now, the question isn’t if Molden can bounce back—it’s when. Will it be in time for the postseason run? Because the easy dub over New England helped them punch their ticket. So, they wouldn’t want all this to be for nothing.