Alright, Chargers fans, we’ve got some unexpected news ahead of tonight’s showdown against the Raiders. If asked to count the players on injury reserve, what will the numbers look like? I guess your fingers will come short, but the list will keep going on and on. Yeah, that’s the story of the Los Angeles team for quite some time now. And let’s add the offensive tackle Rashawn Slater’s name to the list as well.
Just when the Chargers were gearing up for the playoffs, the injury reports seemed determined to throw a wrench in their plans. One by one! And now the roster hit a bit of a snag, and it’s a big one, as Slater won’t be suiting up tonight. Yeah, you heard that right. During the pre-game stretch, the 25-year-old felt discomfort in his knee, and the Los Angeles team decided to make him inactive.
Slater felt discomfort in his knee during pregame stretch and #Chargers decided to make him inactive, per the team. https://t.co/cMoy1siRQP
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) January 5, 2025
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Now, if you’ve been following the Chargers, you know how pivotal Slater is to the team’s offensive line. And with him out of the game tonight, that means the Chargers will need to shuffle things around to protect Justin Herbert and keep their ground game effective.
But let’s focus on the bright side for a moment, shall we? With a 10-6 record, the Los Angeles team has already secured a playoff berth. On the flip side, the Raiders are sitting at the bottom of the AFC West with a 4-12 record. So they might not be too much of a threat in the season finale.
Injuries are as much a part of the NFL as overpriced stadium snacks, but the Chargers’ latest inactive list feels more like spilling your drink before the opening drive. Seven players, including Rashawn Slater, are sidelined at the worst possible time. With the playoffs around the corner, that’s the kind of news that makes fans wince and hope the depth chart is ready to step up.
Chargers injuries amidst Rashawn Slater’s injury
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In the recently released inactive list by the Chargers against the Las Vegas team, the 25-year-old OT isn’t the only surprise. The list includes the running back Gus Edwards, who sustained an ankle injury and is ruled out of the game. Though the RB wasn’t seen during the practice session earlier, it is reported that he’ll be fit to make a potential return to the playoffs.
Moving forward, the wide receiver Joshua Palmer, who suffered a heel injury against the Patriots, is put on the injury reserve. The wideout will join the linebacker, Denzel Perryman, on the inactive list for the Chargers tonight. According to The Athletic reports, Perryman’s set to miss out on his second consecutive game due to a groin injury. Plus, it’ll be his 6th overall game to miss out in the past 7 due to the same injury.
Besides, the Chargers also put the offensive guard, Jordan McFadden, on injury reserve. Talk about a long-lasting list of players who will miss out on the season-finale. But hey, there are still a couple of players remaining on the list. The emergency third QB, Easton Stick, and the DE, Justin Eboigbe, have made it to the injury reserve as well.
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As things stand, today’s victory will mark a solid end to the regular season for the Chargers. However, it appears that the postseason is expecting the team with certain challenges for them.
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Can the Chargers overcome Rashawn Slater's absence, or is this the beginning of their playoff downfall?
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Can the Chargers overcome Rashawn Slater's absence, or is this the beginning of their playoff downfall?
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