San Diego Chargers Injury Report: Week 11

The San Diego Chargers have been bit by the injury bug all season. Coming off the bye week, we will see a few key players returning. These players will be important to the defenses rush but it will also kick start the run game.

The Chargers returning players today are Ryan Mathews, Manti Te’o, Melvin Ingram, and Jerry Attaochu. Matthews will be key to the run game. Branden Oliver can move over into the passing back role and Matthews can be the ground and pound guy. Donald Brown will still be in the backfield to relieve Matthews of a few carries. Phillip Rivers is most effective when the Chargers are running the ball well.

The defense will get much needed help with important linebackers returning. Melvin Ingram coming off the edge can finally be the guy to compliment Corey Liuget. Liuget is always getting double teamed and Kendall Reyes has not been able to take advantage. With Ingram fully healthy, he can open up the rush to take advantage and possibly help out Dwight Freeney with his rush looks.

Manti Te’o and Jerry Attaochu have been missed in the linebacking corps. The middle coverage for the Chargers has been a non factor and Te’o can be the guy to eat up the football in the middle. Attaochu will be important in stopping the outside runs. The Chargers need that linebacker who can seal on the outside runs and that is where Attaochu can fit in.

The Chargers inactives include  Jahleel Addae, Reggie Walker, Sean Lissemore, Dontrelle Inman, Ronnie Brown, Richard Crawford, and Damion Square. Addae needs to be back soon for the secondary because he is one of the hardest hitters on that defense. Sean Lissemore is needed at defensive tackle to plug up the middle and hopefully he is back soon with Ingram on the edge. Richard Crawford will need to get healthy soon because of cornerback Jason Verrett going on injured reserve.

The Chargers game vs. the Oakland Raiders will kickoff at 1:05 p.m. Pacific on CBS.