The Chargers May Be Shorthanded vs. the Vikings in Week 3

Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) hands the ball off to running back Austin Ekeler (30) as Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) looks on during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 3, the Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings meet in a classic “loser leaves town match”.

Both teams have started the 2023 season with 0-2 records by losing a pair of one-possession games. The Chargers have lost their two games by a total of five points while the Vikings have lost by a total of nine.

While both teams should enter Sunday in desperation mode, the Chargers may be short-handed heading into the game. A couple of star players look they will be out for this weekend’s game.

The Chargers May Be Shorthanded vs. the Vikings

Chargers Shorthanded
Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) celebrates after a touchdown in the first half against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

In Week 2, both Austin Ekeler and Eric Kendricks missed the Chargers game versus the Titans due to injury. On Monday, head coach Brandon Staley said there was no timeline for either to return.

That was reflected in Los Angeles’ first injury report for Week 3 as both Ekeler (ankle) and Kendricks (hamstring) were again absent from practice. In all, Los Angeles listed seven players on Wednesday’s injury report:

  • OLB Joey Bosa (Hamstring, limited)
  • RB Austin Ekeler (Ankle, DNP)
  • LB Daiyan Henley (Hamstring, limited)
  • LB Eric Kendricks (Hamstring, DNP)
  • OLB Khalil Mack (Rest, DNP)
  • LB Chris Rumph (Hamstring, limited)
  • WR Mike Williams (Ankle, full)
Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) hangs on to the ball for a complete pass and first down in front of Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Joey Bosa was also on the injury report throughout practice prior to Week 2, but he was healthy enough to play last weekend. Unless a new development occurs in the next few days, that is likely to happen again. He recorded two sacks on Sunday against the Titans.

The Vikings will also release an injury report on Wednesday, and both teams will have two more on Thursday and Friday before their matchup on Sunday.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.