Injuries are starting to take a toll on the Chargers

It was a dream start to the 2025 NFL season for the Los Angeles Chargers after compiling a 3-0 record. Additionally, each of those three victories came against each of the AFC West opponents.

Since that point, Los Angeles has been dismantled with injuries. Khalil Mack suffered an elbow injury in Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, leading to an IR stint (eligible to return in Week 7), Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, Joe Alt suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 4 against the New York Giants and, on Monday, head coach Jim Harbaugh announced rookie running back Omarion Hampton will be placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed ankle injury suffered in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders.

Hampton's injury is monumental, but the damage had already been done with both starting tackles out for the foreseeable future. The absence of Alt and Rashawn Slater has become alarmingly apparent with how often Justin Herbert has been pressured this season.

Since Alt exited in Week 3, Herbert has been pressured on 45.5% of his drop-backs. The 27-year-old quarterback has already been sacked 16 times this season, and with three-fifths of the offensive line unavailable, this trend could continue.

Despite this, Herbert ranks third in the league with 178 pass attempts through the first five weeks.

One way to counterbalance that was to lean more on the rushing attack to alleviate pressure off of Herbert. However, as mentioned, Hampton will be placed on the injured reserve, sidelining the 22-year-old running back for at least the next four weeks.

Injuries are part of the equation in football, but these circumstances are starting to become an overwhelming factor for the Chargers. 

Although Los Angeles is 3-2, it appears that if things continue on this course, the Chargers' season outlook could look like a lost cause in the upcoming weeks.