The Chargers already know how to get along without Joey Bosa. Now they’ll likely have to adjust to not having Antonio Gates.
The injury report for Sunday’s game in Indianapolis is official. Bosa is once again out as he nurses a hamstring injury and gets himself ready for football after missing all of the preseason. Gates also has a hamstring problem and is listed as Doubtful, meaning he has about a 25-percent chance of taking the field against the Colts.
If Gates can’t go then the Chargers will be relying on veteran tight end Sean McGrath and 2nd round pick Hunter Henry, who is still looking for his breakout game. Henry’s lone reception this season came in the season opener, a 20-yarder right up the middle. But coaches and teammates have lauded Henry’s blocking ability and his quarterback says it’s only a matter of time before he starts impacting the box score.
“I told him your catches are coming,” said Philip Rivers. “They will. We know that things come in spurts and come at different times but he’s off to a good start.”
As expected safety Jahleel Addae is also out as he recovers from surgery for a broken collarbone. Offensive lineman Orlando Franklin is questionable with a hamstring ailment. Everyone else is healthy and expected to be available.
The Colts, however, are hurting in a big way. Cornerbacks Darius Butler and Patrick Robinson, offensive tackle Denzelle Good and wide receiver Donte Moncrief are all out but the biggest fear for Indy fans is quarterback Andrew Luck is questionable with an injury to his throwing shoulder. Luck was a full participant in practice on Friday and should at least attempt to play against the Chargers.
His main receiving threat might not be there. Wideout T.Y. Hilton has a knee problem and missed Friday’s practice. He is questionable (meaning a 50-50 chance) to play, as are linebacker Trent Cole, safeties Clayton Geathers and T.J. Green, center Ryan Kelly, and cornerback Vontae Davis. That makes five members of the Colts secondary who are either out of hurting so it’s possible that former Charger Antonio Cromartie could be the number one corner against his old team.
