The Los Angeles Chargers will go into Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a depleted receiving group, meaning they may need to win this game in gritty fashion.
That is usually not a problem for a Jim Harbaugh-led team, but without J.K. Dobbins, the rushing attack has been far less effective. Justin Herbert has thrown the ball well this season, but a lack of weapons has been a concern since the summer.
That group of weapons looks like it will be even less potent in Week 15 against the Bucs.
Ladd McConkey missed the team’s Week 14 game against the Kansas City Chiefs and could be on the shelf for this game too. According to the team’s final injury report, McConkey is questionable after practicing in a limited fashion this week while dealing with knee and shoulder injuries.
McConkey is Herbert’s No. 1 target and in addition, Jalen Reagor has been ruled out for the game with a finger injury. That means some wide receivers are going to need to step up.
Quentin Johnston has had some horrible drops this season but has also found his way into the end zone seven times. Joshua Palmer has made some plays as well, but it’s bleak beyond those two. If McConkey can’t go, the Chargers could really use a boost from D.J. Chark, who has done nothing this season.
In addition, tight end Will Dissly is going to miss the game with a shoulder injury. Dissly did not practice all week and could miss multiple games. That leaves Stone Smartt as the team’s top receiving tight end.
Linebacker Denzel Perryman is also questionable for the game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 15 injury report
Fortunately for the Chargers, the Bucs are dealing with some difficult injuries of their own.
Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has been ruled out. Linebacker K.J. Britt and safety Mike Edwards are also out for the contest and the team could also take a big hit on the offensive side of the ball as rookie running back Bucky Irving is questionable with a hip injury after hardly practicing this week.
This makes this an interesting game between two teams at far less than 100 percent, both battling for the playoffs. Expect to see a low-scoring, defensive struggle where one or two plays but an unlikely player or two could be the difference.
MORE CHARGERS CONTENT
Chargers vs. Buccaneers Series History: Tampa Bay is on a winning streak
Justin Herbert appears ready to show his warrior spirit again in Week 15
Week 15 NFL Expert Picks: Chargers vs. Buccaneers
Famous Chargers draft bust appears in random NXT segment
With Colston Loveland off the board, Chargers still find TE in latest mock draft
