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Chargers Face Short Week at Worst Possible Time

Originally posted on The Lead | By Reagan Silbar | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 7:58 PM ET

The Chargers’ season just keeps getting worse. Their 38-24 loss to the Colts in Week 7 marked their third defeat in their last four games. Now, they’ve had just four days to regroup before hosting the Vikings on Thursday Night Football.

The short week is rarely kind to anyone. But for a team already battered by injuries, fading confidence, and seemingly collapsing, the timing couldn’t be worse.

Injuries Piling Up

What began as a promising 3-0 start has devolved into pure survival mode, as the Chargers are now at 4-3. Los Angeles went from sitting comfortably atop the AFC West to second place, with the Chiefs barely trailing behind.

Injuries across the board have gutted them.

Khalil Mack is back, but not entirely at full health. Rashawn Slater and Najee Harris remain out for the season. Joe Alt, Omarion Hampton, Trey Pipkins, Elijah Molden, Hassan Haskins, Austin Deculus, and more are out. Without core starters and their backups, the offense has averaged just 19.8 points per game over the last four weeks — down from 23.3 points in its first three games.

The protection issues have been glaring. Justin Herbert was sacked three times and hit 15 times against Indianapolis, and the limited run game forced Herbert to throw for a career-high 420 yards. Meanwhile, the defense has allowed an average of 144 rushing yards per game during this slump.

Justin Herbert is the first player in NFL history (regular or postseason) to have 35+ completions, 420+ pass yards, 3+ pass TD and 30+ rush yards in a loss. pic.twitter.com/VYdbKzCcO7

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) October 19, 2025

Short Week, Big Problem

Instead of recovery time, the Chargers must prepare for a Vikings team that ranks ninth in total defense and seventh in passing defense.

On a short week, there’s no luxury of time. It’s a brutal turnaround against one of the NFC’s most efficient defenses, though they haven’t lived up to the caliber of last season.

Brian Flores’ defense isn’t kind to mistakes, and the Chargers have made plenty lately with their extensive penalties.

Season Teetering at 4–3

At 4-3, the Chargers aren’t out of the playoff picture, but they’re close to the edge.

Another loss would make it four in five games and could send the season out of their hands. The Broncos, though an ugly win, were able to come back and defeat a Giants team that embarrassed the Chargers at the start of their slump. The Chiefs handed the Raiders a shutout, the first of Andy Reid’s career. By losing to the Colts, they forfeited the No. 1 spot in the AFC. With the Bills coming off a bye, the outlook is negative for L.A.

If Los Angeles drops another game, it’s not just a midseason slump; it’s a sign that injuries, coaching, and depth issues have fundamentally stalled what should be a playoff-caliber roster. A win on Thursday won’t fix everything, but it would at least stabilize a season that’s slipping fast.

The Chargers need results, and a short week leaves little margin for excuses.

This article first appeared on The Lead and was syndicated with permission.

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