Chargers' injury curse is already back before training camp even begins

Stop me if you've heard this before: the Los Angeles Chargers are having injury problems.

The Chargers are already generating multiple headlines due to injury concerns, even before training camps have opened for business, but somehow the sentiment feels more "business as usual" than shocking given the franchise's near-annual dalliance with major health concerns.

So far this offseason, newly signed running back Najee Harris suffered an eye injury in a fireworks-related mishap on July 4. Fortunately, the setback is considered minor, and Harris should be ready for the regular season. However, he's hardly the only concern for the team heading into camp.

Wide receiver Mike Williams is back for a reunion with the team that drafted him, yet he'll begin camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP). The specifics of Williams' injury are unknown to the public, as the Chargers hold their cards close to the vest.

The Chargers are dealing with numerous injuries heading into training camp—again.

Williams is joined on the Chargers PUP list by wide receiver Jaylen Johnson, defensive back Elijah Molden, linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips, and offensive lineman Savion Washington. The Chargers placed them all on PUP to start the preseason.

The Chargers' injury curse tends to rear its head early and often, which makes it quite surprising to look at the team's performances over the years. Most teams would love to change places with the Chargers, knowing they have a solid core of talent with quarterback figured out. But when injuries are this rampant and impactful, it's hard to stay afloat when attrition takes such a toll.

Given that the Chiefs play the Chargers twice each year, the franchise's injury history is a familiar topic. Several matchups were played without seeing the likes of Joey Bosa, Derwin James, Rashawn Slater, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, J.C. Jackson, Asante Samuel, Bryan Bulaga, Otito Ogbonnia, Austin Johnson, Melvin Ingram, Mike Pouncey, and even Drue Tranquill. These are just some of the names on injured reserve for the Chargers since 2020.

The presence of the Kansas City Chiefs at the top of the divisional pecking order doesn't help matters. Still, injuries remain a major factor in explaining the Chargers' inability to either make the postseason or advance within it in recent years. Bolts fans can only hope the curse isn't back for another year.