San Diego's Injury Report Looks Best That It Has in Months
By Danny Cox
While it may seem rather lengthy to the untrained eye; the injury report for the San Diego Chargers this week is one of the shortest they've seen in a long time. Yes, it's true that a number of players are on Injured Reserve (IR), but that doesn't mean happiness should be taken away from a shortened injury report list.
Perhaps, one of the most noticeable things about this week's injury report is that wide receiver Eddie Royal has finally jumped up off of the "Out" and "Doubtful" lists, and has made his way up to "questionable." Royal's hamstring injury has kept him out of action since the middle of November, and he may finally see playing time again.
As of now, there is not the best possibility that he will end up playing for the Chargers this week. If you're into fantasy sports, Eddie Royal is not the wide receiver I'd have starting for your squad.
His lack of production this season mostly stems from injuries. Even if he doesn't end up playing this week against the Carolina Panthers, at least it's a step in the right direction.
Some good news for the Chargers is that offensive tackle Mike Harris will most likely be back from his ankle injury. Any new and semi-healthy bodies on the offensive line are just what the doctor ordered.
He actually ordered that for quarterback Philip Rivers so he doesn't end up decimated by a defensive front seven again this week.
Even more good news is that Rivers will have a big target back in tight end Dante Rosario. It's true that Rosario has only nine receptions this season for 86 yards; he's also got three touchdowns. He is also a great decoy that can be used to get other receivers open downfield.
Things aren't looking too good entirely for the offense of the Chargers, though.
Offensive guard Tyronne Greene is still dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. The injury has Greene's leg not being able to go at full speed, and risking action any quicker may only cause it to get worse.
San Diego will also have to make better use of running back Ryan Mathews as pounding, forceful back Ronnie Brown will most likely miss the game against the Panthers due to a hamstring issue. Brown is often good at getting those short-yardage gains when they are needed, but someone else will need to step up this week as the bruising back.
Overall, the injury report of the Chargers isn't a bad one at all. Well, that's if you don't bother counting the nine players sitting on IR and now out for the season. Things happen and they can't always be helped, but the Chargers are looking to overcome injuries yet again and pull out another big win.
Probable:
- T Mike Harris (ankle)
- DE Kendall Reyes (quadricep)
- TE Dante Rosario
Questionable:
- WR Eddie Royal (hamstring)
Doubtful:
- OG Tyronne Greene (hamstring)
- LB Donald Butler (groin)
- RB Ronnie Brown (hamstring)
- T Jeremy Clary (knee)
Out:
- LB Demorrio Williams (ankle)
Injured Reserve:
- DE Vaughn Martin
- S Darrell Stuckey
- WR Seyi Ajirotutu
- C David Molk
- LB Antwan Barnes
- S Atari Bigby
- OT Jared Gaither
- Ls Mike Windt
- PK Nate Kaeding
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.
