Chargers - Chiefs: NFL Week 7 injury report: Will Justin Watson and Derwin James play?
The Arrowhead Stadium is all set for Sunday, but which players are at risk of missing out? We take a look...
In what promises to be a thrilling showdown, the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for a pivotal Week 7 clash. But as the two AFC West rivals prepare for battle, it’s the injury report that’s stealing the spotlight, oh, and Taylor Swift, obviously! These injuries could tip the balance in a matchup that could have playoff implications down the line.
Chargers’ injury woes
The Chargers are having a real mixed bag of results so far this season, with each game going to the wire, and the injury situation is similar. Among the key players nursing injuries, linebacker Joey Bosa was seen limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a toe ailment. However, good news for Chargers fans, as Bosa returned to full participation on Friday, signaling that he’s likely to take the field. Will Clapp, the center, has overcome a knee injury and practiced in full throughout the week, ensuring that the offensive line is in good hands.
In contrast, the Chargers’ safety Alohi Gilman is less fortunate. Sidelined due to a toe injury, Gilman missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday and has officially been ruled out for the game. But the most crucial position on the field, quarterback, seems to be in safe hands. Justin Herbert’s left finger injury didn’t hamper his participation; he practiced in full all week and is set to lead the team against the Chiefs.
Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day is another player who has overcome injury hurdles and is expected to play. Meanwhile, Deane Leonard, the cornerback, is dealing with a hamstring injury and has not practiced all week, putting his availability in doubt. Amen Ogbongbemiga, linebacker, finds himself in a questionable status with a hamstring injury. After limited practice on Wednesday, he missed the Thursday and Friday sessions.
Donald Parham is ready to go at tight end. He practiced in full all week, indicating his availability. Rashawn Slater, the offensive tackle, overcame an ankle injury and practiced in full during the week, adding depth to the offensive line. Jalen Guyton, however, won’t be part of this week’s action due to a knee injury that keeps him on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Derwin James, the free safety, is dealing with an ankle issue. He practiced with limitations on Thursday and missed Friday’s session, leaving his status questionable. Otito Ogbonnia, defensive tackle, is in a similar situation as Jalen Guyton, with a knee injury that places him on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Finally, Jaylinn Hawkins, safety, is dealing with an illness, and his availability for the game remains uncertain.
Chiefs’ healthier lineup
On the flip side, the Kansas City Chiefs appear to have a more favorable injury report. Most key players are expected to be in action.
Nick Bolton, linebacker, suffered an ankle injury but is set to play after full participation in practice throughout the week. Bryan Cook, safety, is healthy, with his neck injury not hampering his participation, as he practiced in full. Defensive end George Karlaftis overcame a hamstring issue, participating fully in practice, and is ready for the game.
The star tight end for the Chiefs, Travis Kelce, who had an ankle injury, participated fully in practice and is ready to go. That’ll likely mean we see one popular singer in attendance.
Charles Omenihu, who returned from suspension, doesn’t have any injury concerns and is expected to contribute. L’Jarius Sneed, the cornerback dealing with a knee issue, is set to play after practicing in full. Kadarius Toney, the wide receiver with a toe injury, won’t be held back, as he practiced fully. Tommy Townsend’s left knee injury won’t affect his performance, making him a reliable option at punter for the Chiefs.
However, wide receiver Justin Watson will be unavailable due to an elbow injury, as he didn’t practice all week. The status of Jaylen Watson, cornerback with a thigh injury, remains questionable, as he had limited participation in practice.