In addition to Bosa, also Eric Kendricks could miss the game against Titans
COSTA MESA, California. — Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Thank youand linebacker Eric Kendricks are doubtful to play against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, while outside linebacker Joey Bosa appears as questionable.
All three players were injured in the season-opening 36-34 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Ekeler hurt his ankle and Kendricks and Bosa hurt their hamstrings.
Austin Ekeler rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries and 47 passing yards, but did not play on the Chargers’ final possession. Coach Brandon Staley said Ekeler’s injury is not a sprained ankle.
Austin Ekeler, one of the Chargers’ main weapons, could miss Week 2 due to injury. AP
Joshua Kelleywho had 91 rushing yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, will start if Ekeler does not play.
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“So my mentality is I’m going to dominate and take every possession, every rep to the best of my ability,” Kelley emphasized Friday.
Elijah Dotsonan undrafted rookie free agent, and Isaiah Spiller, a second-year running back who was inactive Sunday, will back up Kelley. The Chargers also signed Jared Pattersonwho rushed for 344 yards and two touchdowns the past two seasons for the Washington Commanders, to his practice squad on Wednesday.
“I feel that our coach [de corredores, Derrick Foster] said it: ‘Hey, we need to move,’ and we need to answer the call,” Kelly said.
The loss of Kendricks will test the Chargers’ run defense, which allowed 70 yards on 20 carries to the Dolphins.
Eric Kendricks, who made seven tackles and one pass defense in his Chargers debut after playing his first eight seasons for the Minnesota Vikings. He was signed in free agency to help stabilize a group that allowed an NFL-worst 5.42 yards per carry in 2022.
The star of the Titans, Derrick Henryhad 63 rushing yards on 15 carries and also caught two passes for 56 yards in a 16-15 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
If Kendricks can’t play, linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. He will call the plays on defense.
Kendricks’ injury leaves the Chargers short at inside linebacker. The rookie selected in the third round of the draft, Daiyan Henleyis questionable due to a hamstring injury and is expected to miss his second straight game, so it would be Nick Niemann y Amen Ogbongbemiga who take Kendricks’ place alongside Murray.
“Yeah, I mean, certainly the group is going to have to help Eric,” Staley said. “And it will be a great opportunity for those young people.”
Joey Bosa’s absence comes after he missed 12 games last season due to a groin injury that required surgery. He had 2.5 sacks in five games, both career lows, after reaching double-digit sacks in four of his first six seasons.
Bosa was limited in Friday’s practice, working only with a trainer on the side during the portion open to the media.
“It will be a game-time decision,” Staley said. “He was able to do some things on the field today.”
Joey Bosa had one tackle and finished with a 21.1% win rate when rushing the quarterback on 39 snaps, according to TruMedia data. The Chargers did not capture Tua Tagovailoa on Sunday. The 466 yards allowed were the most in franchise history.
2023-09-15 23:28:18
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