Critical Los Angeles Chargers Starter Added To Injury Report Just Hours Before Kickoff

Los Angeles Chargers G Mekhi Becton Added To Injury Report

The Los Angeles Chargers’ starting offensive line, when healthy, is:

• LT Joe Alt
• LG Zion Johnson
• C Bradley Bozeman
• RG Mekhi Becton
• RT Trey Pipkins III

With Becton questionable, Salyer is the next man at RG. Austin Deculus is the swing behind Alt, Andre James backs up Bozeman, and Savion Washington is already out at RT.

Keeping Alt-Bozeman-Johnson-Pipkins in place preserves communication and limits cascading moves. With Slater out for the season already, this offensive line can’t afford more critical injuries.

Why RG Matters Vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Chris Jones will test the B-gap next to the replacement guard all night. Kansas City also rotates former Bolt Jerry Tillery and Derrick Nnadi to keep bodies fresh and runs interior T-E/T-T stunts that stress guard-center timing.

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If the Chargers pass off blocks cleanly, Herbert gets rhythm throws; if not, the pocket collapses straight into his lap.

Edge Picture

George Karlaftis and Mike Danna are power/effort rushers who win with bull-to-rip and length. Charles Omenihu adds inside-out juice.

When KC wants a free rusher, they’ll bring slot pressure with Trent McDuffie or green-dog with LBs Nick Bolton and Leo Chenal.

That package looks different than pure speed, but it stacks steady pressure snaps.

What Los Angeles Chargers Should Do If Becton Sits

• Start with a quick game and RPO to Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen; keep Herbert on schedule.
• Slide help to Jones on long downs; if Jones kicks outside, chip with Will Dissly or a back.
• Call duo/inside zone early to let Salyer settle; mix play-action keepers to move the spot.
• Use Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton on chip-release and to firm up A/B gaps.
• Avoid obvious 3rd-and-8; that is where KC’s four-man rush plus stunts wins.

Becton’s status is the hinge. If he plays, continuity favors the Chargers. If he sits, Salyer can hold up well, but the game turns on interior communication vs. Jones and KC’s twist/blitz menu. Manage that, and the offense functions; miss a few pass-offs, and it snowballs fast.