Chargers News: Reporter Assesses Ramifications Of Key Injury Absences

Some big pieces were sorely missed in week 4.

The Chargers pulled off another victory against a division rival in week 4 but the win felt too close for comfort despite some dominant performances across the board. 

Quarterback Justin Herbert used his legs to score two of LA's three touchdowns on the day and the reason why his rushing ability played a big factor wasn't hard to see last Sunday. 

Dud: The passing game chemistry

The loss of Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler felt noticeable for the Chargers in this one. While Herbert was getting chased around all day, he never had Ekeler in the flat as a safety valve. After the BYE, the Chargers should have their star running back return on Monday Night Football vs. Dallas. However, the longer-term issue of Williams’ absence will remain. Outside of Keenan Allen, it doesn’t feel like Justin Herbert has that consistent chemistry with his receiver room yet. Quentin Johnston has been wide open on several plays in the last two weeks, as Herbert has been quick to look off of that read. Outside of the last throw of the game, Palmer also wasn’t a consistent fixture in the afternoon’s proceedings. What felt off about the offense was the key pieces that were missing and the lack of execution in their replacement.

via Alex Insdorf, Chargers Wire

Two of Herbert's favorite targets missed the contest but Week 4 marked an especially foreign sight from the Charger offense since the former Duck took the starting role in 2020. 

Williams' unfortunate injury history meant that Keenan Allen took over the lead role in recent years but Ekeler's omission from LA's backfield specifically loomed large against Vegas. 

2020's sixth overall pick struggled to find other receivers when the Raiders keyed in on Allen and a lackluster second half nearly cost LA the game without his safety valve in the backfield. 

An early bye week usually isn't a great thing in a long season, but Kellen Moore's offense could sorely use their ailing Pro Bowl running back for some creativity to finish 2023. 

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