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Chargers struggle to generate offense in loss to Chiefs
Chargers struggle to generate offense in loss to AFC West rival Chiefs
🏠Chiefs 17, Chargers 10 — FINAL
For the second consecutive week, the Chargers entered a fourth quarter with the score tied. This time Justin Herbert still was in the game.
The result didn’t change.
Herbert fought through a high-ankle sprain, but couldn’t push the short-handed Chargers to a key AFC West win over the Chiefs, who kept the Chargers scoreless for the final three quarters in a 17-10 win Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
Check out the game summary from the Chargers’ loss Sunday.
The Chiefs (4-0) have won six straight over their division rivals and 18 of the last 21. Five of the last six wins were by fewer than seven points.
The Chiefs sealed the win with a five-play, 60-yard drive in the fourth quarter capped by a one-yard touchdown run from Samaje Perine with 6:08 remaining.
The Chargers (2-2) could have jumped ahead with 13:37 to go in the fourth quarter, but were stopped on fourth and one from the Kansas City three-yard line. Pressure from the right side forced Herbert out of the pocket and he threw the ball out of the back of the end zone.
Already hobbled with a high-right-ankle sprain, Herbert was sacked twice and hit almost a dozen more times behind an offensive line without both starting tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee). Herbert finished with 179 yards and one touchdown on 16-of-27 passing.
Chiefs take their first lead on Samaje Perine TD run
🏠Chiefs 17, Chargers 10 — 6:04 left in the fourth quarter
Samaje Perine scored on a two-yard touchdown run to give the Kansas City Chiefs their first lead of the game.
The run capped an impressive five play, 60-yard drive that finally found a way to be a successful against a Chargers defense that might be showing signs of fatigue.
A 29-yard catch from tight end Noah Gray helped fuel the Kansas City drive coming off a three-and-out possession for the Chargers.
Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley was injured during the Chiefs’ scoring drive, holding his arm as he walked off the field.
Chargers come up empty on fourth-down gamble near goal line
🏠Chargers 10, Chiefs 10 — 12:57 left in the fourth quarter
The Chargers tried to convert on fourth and one from the Kansas City three, but Justin Herbert was forced to throw away the ball after being pressured by Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones.
It was lackluster ending to what was otherwise the Chargers’ best drive since the first quarter. Herbert opened with a 26-yard pass to Joshua Palmer. Quentin Johnston also made a big catch on third down for 10 yards, beating Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffy to the ball.
Despite clearly having limited mobility because of his sore ankle, Herbert has completed 15 of 23 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown so far.
Will the lost gamble on fourth down come back to bite Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers?
Kansas City’s Harrison Butker ties score on 37-yard field goal
🏠Chiefs 10, Chargers 10 — 6:26 left in the third quarter
Harrison Butker tied the score on a 37-yard field goal as the Chargers come up big on third down to limit the damage from Kansas City’s first trek into the red zone.
Khalil Mack sacked Patrick Mahomes on third down to force the field-goal try, capping Kansas City’s 10-play, 37-yard drive.
Can Justin Herbert and the Chargers respond? They’ve struggle to generate much of anything on offense since the first quarter.
Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker misses a 55-yard field-goal attempt
🏠Chargers 10, Chiefs 7 — 11:46 left in the third quarter
Cameron Dicker missed a 55-yard field-goal attempt on the opening possession of the second half to keep it a three-point game.
The Chargers offense continues to struggle. After Justin Herbert connected on a short cross pass to Ladd McConkey that the rookie wide receiver turned into a 37-yard reception — the offense stalled again at midfield. Another pre-snap penalty (false start) didn’t help.
Chargers hold slim lead over Chiefs at halftime
🏠Chargers 10, Chiefs 7 — HALFTIME
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker came up short on a 65-yard field-goal attempt as time expired in the first half to keep it a three-point game at halftime.
A holding penalty coupled with the Chargers putting pressure on quarterback Patrick Mahomes compromised the Chiefs’ chances of getting into realistic field-goal range before halftime.
After piecing together scoring drives off two Chiefs turnovers in the first quarter, the Chargers could accomplish nothing on offense in the second quarter.
Chiefs defensive end sacked Justin Herbert on third down to end the Chargers’ final possession before halftime. After scoring on their first two drives, the Chargers went three-and-out on three of their next four possessions. Five penalties for 36 yards played a big part in hurting the Chargers.
Herbert connected on nine of 13 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Mahomes has completed 11 of 17 passes for 149 yards, with one touchdown and an interception.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has five catches for 74 yards and Ladd McConkey leads Chargers receivers with four catches for 30 yards. J.K. Dobbins has 22 yards in seven carries for the Chargers.
Patrick Mahomes connects with Xavier Worthy on 52-yard TD pass
🏠Chargers 10, Chiefs 7 — 4:06 left in the second quarter
With one pass, Patrick Mahomes shocked some life into the Chiefs.
Mahomes connected on a 52-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy to cut into the Chargers’ lead. Worthy, who ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, beat Kristian Fulton in coverage to make the catch in the end zone.
Chargers pass rush making life tough for Patrick Mahomes
🏠Chargers 10, Chiefs 0 — 4:27 left in the second quarter
No Joey Bosa, no problem? So far, the Chargers’ pass rush is putting plenty of pressure on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Bud Dupree sacked Mahomes on second down for a three-yard loss before Tarheeb Still and Troy Dye sacked him for a loss of nine yards on third down.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers didn’t fair much better on the ensuing possession, going three-and-out while pinned at their two-yard line.
The Chiefs will have at least one more chance to get on the scoreboard before halftime, starting at their 46.
Penalties hampering Chargers and Chiefs in first half
🏠Chargers 10, Chiefs 0 — 13:18 left in the second quarter
A fumble by Justin Herbert (recovered by Gus Edwards at the line of scrimmage) and a false-start penalty made it a three-and-out for the Chargers on their third possession.
The Chiefs went three-and-out on their first possession of the second quarter after a false-start penalty and a missed catch by Skyy Moore.
Chargers capitalize on another Kansas City turnover
🏠Chargers 10, Chiefs 0 — 3:53 left in the first quarter
Cameron Dicker kicked a 50-yard field goal to extend the lead for the Chargers, who’ve managed to score points following two Kansas City turnovers.
Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton picked off a pass from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but fumbled the ball on the return. Luckily for the Chargers, a video review of the fumble determined they recovered the ball after referees initially ruled the Chiefs had recovered.
Making things worst for the Chiefs, top receiver Rashee Rice, who ranked fourth in receiving yards (288) coming into Sunday, sustained a knee injury on the play and was carted to the locker room. He was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.
After taking over at the Kansas City 29, the Chargers only went backwards because of penalties (chop block and holding), necessitating the field-goal try.
Chargers take early lead on Justin Herbert touchdown pass
🏠Chargers 7, Chargers 0 — 6:15 left in the first quarter
Justin Herbert connected with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the back of the end zone on a seven-yard touchdown pass, but the Chargers quarterback walked off the field gingerly after taking a shot from Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring on the play.
Herbert was questionable heading into Sunday because of an ankle injury he aggravated in last week’s loss to the Steelers. Until he took the hit from Herring, Herbert looked comfortable on the field, connecting on a 22-yard pass to Will Dissly and a 15-yard pass to McConkey to help fuel the 10-play, 74-yard drive.
The Chiefs were driving on the game’s first possession until Chargers linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu stripped the ball out of the hands of Chiefs rookie running back Carson Steele. Chargers cornerback Elijah Molden recovered the fumble at the Chargers’ 26.
Pistons owner to buy 27% stake of Chargers, ending Spanos family dispute
Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores is set to buy a 27% stake of the Chargers, two people familiar with the transaction told The Times on Friday. They spoke on the condition they not be identified because of the confidential nature of the deal.
The transaction will resolve a long-running dispute between Dea Spanos Berberian and her siblings — including Chargers controlling owner Dean Spanos — that spilled into court in April 2021.
Gores and his wife, Holly, are buying Spanos Berberian’s share of the franchise, the people familiar with the transaction said, but he won’t control or have a path to control the organization and will not influence the day-to-day operations of the team. Dean Spanos will retain full control of the franchise as he and his siblings, Michael Spanos and Alexis Spanos Ruhl, own approximately 69% of the Chargers.
Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh disagrees with NFL’s ruling on Derwin James Jr.’s suspension
It’s more than just the playmaking, the positional versatility and the hard tackles. With star safety Derwin James Jr. suspended for one week, the Chargers are missing a vocal leader whose wide, bejeweled smile sets the tone for a secondary now tasked with stopping the defending Super Bowl champions without him.
“Derwin’s a big personality,” said safety Alohi Gilman, whose laid-back Hawaiian nature contrasts sharply with James’ fiery passion. “For me, I don’t really look at it as replacing him. I just be the best that I can be, and bring whatever energy that I got and my type of game to the table, and just got to elevate it a little bit more.”
James’ 21 tackles are the most for a Chargers defensive back through three games. One of three defensive captains, James will be missed not only for his production but also his leadership against the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
It’s official: Justin Herbert active for Chargers vs. Chiefs
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will play on Sunday against the Kansas Chiefs. He is active for the game after being listed as questionable heading into Sunday because of an ankle injury he aggravated during last week’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Here are the players who won’t be suiting up for the Chargers and Chiefs on Sunday:
Chargers: LB Junior Colson, RB Kimani Vidal, DB Deane Leonard, DB Ja’Sir Taylor, OL Rashawn Slater, OL Joe Alt, LB Joey Bosa.
Chiefs: DE Mike Danna, OL G.J. Hanson, OT Ethan Driskell, DT Marlon Tuipulotu
As Justin Herbert mends, Taylor Heinicke wins over the Chargers
Taylor Heinicke is not supposed to be in the spotlight like this. The backup quarterback stood in front of his locker that was full of freshly laundered sweatshirts and spoke to reporters as concerns about starter Justin Herbert’s ankle loomed. After the gaggle dispersed, Heinicke returned to his main task.
He sat down and pulled a tablet onto his lap. Game film already was on the screen.
Even in a state of uncertainty with Herbert’s ankle injury, the Chargers quarterback room remains calm, anchored by the backups whose jobs are to stay in the shadows while still being prepared to take center stage.
Heinicke and Easton Stick are under no delusions that they can sling the ball like Herbert, but the quarterback trio’s skill sets overlap in one key area.
“The most important thing in that room,” Herbert said, “is everyone wants to win.”
Jim Harbaugh won’t let O-line injuries affect decision on Justin Herbert playing
One bad play away from further injuring the ankle that he already re-aggravated last week, Justin Herbert could be at additional risk playing behind a shuffled offensive line that could be without both starting tackles. If Herbert rested against the Kansas City Chiefs, he could have two weeks — including the upcoming off week — to recuperate with hopes of ensuring his health for the remainder of the season.
But Jim Harbaugh is not one to entertain “if” questions.
The Chargers coach isn’t going to let questions about an offensive line impact his decision on Herbert’s availability. A 15-year NFL quarterback himself, Harbaugh didn’t step on the field as a player without full confidence in all of his teammates as a player and won’t start doubting his players now as a coach.
“[I] never felt like we were going in nine against 11 or 10 against 11,” Harbaugh said Friday when asked if there was concern with Herbert playing behind an offensive line that will be without starting left tackle Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and possibly right tackle Joe Alt, who is doubtful with a knee injury. “I knew we were going in 11 against 11 and the teammate there was more than capable of doing the job. … That’s the mind-set, and I’ve kept that same mindset as a coach. Believe in our guys,”
To fortify their ranks, the Chargers elevated center Sam Mustipher from the practice squad Saturday. He worked with the No. 1 offensive line at right guard in practice this week in a combination that included Trey Pipkins III at right tackle and Jamaree Salyer at left. Pipkins started at right tackle last year before shifting inside to guard to make room for Alt, the No. 5 overall pick. Salyer has extensive starting at left tackle, but struggled in one snap at the position against the Steelers when he came on suddenly.
A reconfigured offensive line gave up three sacks last week, but now with a week’s worth of preparation, the Chargers hope they’ve ironed out their backup plans.
“This week we’ve been rolling through reps and making sure we’re all on the same page,” center Bradley Bozeman said.
After limping off the field late in the fourth quarter against the Steelers, Alt missed all three days of practice while working with trainers on rehab and treatment. Although chemistry is imperative on the offensive line, the lack of practice reps this week wouldn’t be a concern for potentially putting Alt onto the field, Harbaugh said, as the rookie still has a wealth of experience working with the No. 1 group.
“It’s just ready, willing and able,” Harbaugh said. “If somebody’s ready, they’re willing and they’re able to get their job done, those are the categories that you go by. Is he more able to than the next man up would be, then those are the decisions you make.”
Chargers vs. Chiefs: How to watch, prediction and betting odds
Two weeks ago, this matchup looked as if it could be an opportunity for the Chargers to make a major divisional statement. Now it’s just about survival.
With injuries affecting four key starters and a one-game suspension to star safety Derwin James Jr., the Chargers (2-1) are hoping to at least limp into the off week without adding anyone else to the injury report.
Quarterback Justin Herbert will try to tough out a high-ankle sprain behind an offensive line that might be without starting tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee). Outside linebacker Joey Bosa is nursing a hip injury that limited him to just two snaps against the Pittsburgh Steelers.