The Chargers will have more starters on both sides of the ball in their Week Five matchup with the Broncos.
After missing last week’s game in Seattle, safety Derwin James will miss his second straight game, leading to Tony Jefferson getting another start in his place. Right tackle Joe Alt is also among the group to sit out this week, leaving the door open for rookie Travis Burke to earn his first NFL start.
The other five players who did not suit up this week were wide receiver Quentin Johnston, rookie receiver Brenen Thompson, offensive guard Kayode Awosika, cornerback Donte Jackson, and guard Trevor Penning.
Without Johnston and Thompson, the Chargers will look to a limited Ladd McConkey, Tre’ Harris, Derius Davis, and Marquez Valdez-Scantling to shoulder the receiving load. Tight end Charlie Kolar could also return to the lineup this week and is listed as questionable, which could help ease the pressure in the receiver room.
Joining Kolar and McConkey as questionable this week are fullback Scott Matlock, offensive guard Branson Taylor, and cornerback Rodney Shelley.
Taylor’s return up front could be huge for the Bolts. If he doesn’t play, they will likely be forced to start four rookies at left tackle, left guard, center, and right tackle this week. Taylor returning to start at left guard would at least provide a veteran (well, second year) presence between Slaughter and presumptive starter Logan Taylor on Justin Herbert’s blindside.