Every year it seems like the Chargers don't just get hit by a bunch of injuries; those injuries seem to focus on one specific position group.
The last couple of years it's been the offensive and defensive linemen and running backs. In 2016 it's the secondary, linebackers and wide receivers.
In fact the Bolts are so thin at wideout that they'll be playing Tennessee with a couple of guys on bad knees because there really is nobody left to take their place.
Both Travis Benjamin, who made an unreal one-handed touchdown catch despite a strained tendon in his knee in Denver, and Tyrell Williams are questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Both say they expect to be on the field but they're both far from 100-percent effective.
Tight end Hunter Henry is definitely not going to play with another knee issue so the number of healthy pass catchers available for quarterback Philip Rivers is dangerously low.
But the running back room is pretty healthy and it has been effective. Melvin Gordon went for 100 yards against the Broncos and he, Dexter McCluster and Derek Watt have all had big plays in the passing game. Watt’s 53-yard reception was the longest play from scrimmage in the loss to the Broncos.
So I asked Watt, with the state of the other position groups, can the Bolts offense rely more on the backs?
“Yeah, definitely,” said Watt. “We’re always ready. We have routes in the game plan either as a designed route or a checkdown. Last week that (53-yard) catch came on a checkdown; kind of a safety route for Philip to find me in the flat. I feel like our group is versatile enough to help out in the passing game if need be.”
Here is the full injury list for Sunday:
ILB Jatavis Brown (Knee) - Out
TE Hunter Henry (Knee) - Out
CB Craig Mager (Concussion) - Out
S Jahleel Addae (Collarbone) - Doubtful
OLB Jerry Attaochu (Ankle) - Doubtful
ILB Denzel Perryman (Hamstring) - Doubtful
WR Travis Benjamin (Knee) - Questionable
WR Tyrell Williams (Knee) – Questionable
