Chargers Hurting As Key Players to Sit Out Again This Week
By Danny Cox
On Sunday, the San Diego Chargers are going to be stepping out onto their own field against the resurgent Cincinnati Bengals. The season is all but over for the Chargers, but they still would love to finish strong and with a bit of dignity after what has turned into just an embarrassing year. One big problem this week is the same one that they've dealt with much of this whole year.
Injuries are causing a number of big names to play at half speed or not even make it onto the field at all.
For starters, wide receiver Eddie Royal is still dealing with a hamstring problem, and it's going to keep him on the sidelines yet again. Royal has been out for a number of weeks now, and it is not good news for the Chargers. Injuries have forced Royal to play in a mere eight games this season, and hardly have any production whatsoever.
The Chargers could really use him too. Their offense has struggled greatly since the expensive offseason acquisition of Robert Meachem has turned into one of the worst investments in all of the NFL.
On the defensive side of things, the Bolts will be without the services of safety Darrell Stuckey in the secondary. Losing Atari Bigby for the season was one thing, but Stuckey's absence could cause big time problems against the Bengals.
Cincinnati wide receiver A.J. Green is going to use all of his size and speed to get behind defenders and go for the long ball from quarterback Andy Dalton. With Bigby and Stuckey gone, and safety Eric Weddle playing but recovering from a concussion, Green could be off to the races on multiple occasions this Sunday.
Things aren't much better up near the defensive line for the Chargers either.
Linebacker Donald Butler is out with a groin injury, and that is a huge loss for the San Diego defense. Butler has 72 tackles this season, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception in 2012. Without him watching the middle of the field, someone else is going to have to step up and keep an eye on BenJarvus Green coming out of the backfield.
No matter who is graced with that task, it's not going to be an easy one.
It just isn't going to be east for the Chargers this week as their list of players recovering from injuries is even longer. Weddle will be playing, but not at full speed. Linebackers Larry English and Antwan Barnes will also likely be in the lineup, but they are also banged up and bruised.
An explosive offense like the Bengals is not one that's easy to defend against even when a team is operating at full speed. San Diego's defense looking like the emergency room of a hospital is going to make for a long, long day in Qualcomm Stadium.
Probable:
- LB Larry English (calf)
- T Jeremy Clary (thigh)
- P Mike Scifres (ankle)
- LB Antwan Barnes (hamstring)
- OG Tyronne Greene (hamstring)
- S Eric Weddle (concussion)
Questionable:
- LB Jarret Johnson (back)
- TE Dante Rosario (hamstring)
Doubtful:
- TE Dante Rosario (hamstring)
Out:
- WR Eddie Royal (hamstring)
- LB Donald Butler (groin)
- S Darrell Stuckey (hamstring)
For more Local Football Bloggers and the latest Chargers news, see CBS Sports Los Angeles.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
