What has been a frustrating and ugly 2023 season for the Los Angeles Chargers has gotten even worse.
On Sunday, they lost by 17 points to the Denver Broncos at home, and for the second consecutive week, they failed to reach double digits in scoring.
In that contest against the Broncos, they lost star quarterback Justin Herbert for the season due to a fractured finger on his throwing hand that required surgery.
The loss dropped L.A.’s record to 5-8, virtually ending any real hope they had of making the playoffs.
They will visit the rival Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, and they will be without one of their other big stars, as wide receiver Keenan Allen has been ruled out with a heel injury, per Adam Schefter.
*Keenan, of course.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 13, 2023
Allen has been having his best season ever, as he has posted 1,243 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns while leading the NFL with 108 receptions through 13 games.
He has stepped things up with fellow wideout Mike Williams out since Week 3 because of a torn ACL.
The Chargers have had lots of trouble staying healthy the past couple of years — last season Allen and Williams missed multiple games, as did star pass rusher Joey Bosa.
Herbert also suffered a painful rib injury early in 2022 that he played through the rest of the way.
Through it all, head coach Brandon Staley has been the recipient of lots of criticism from Chargers fans, and for the first time, there have been reports that his job could truly be in jeopardy once this season mercifully ends.
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Chargers HC Gives Update On Keenan Allen’s Status For Thursday