The already-shorthanded Los Angeles Chargers will be without their best offensive weapon tomorrow night.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, superstar wideout Keenan Allen has been ruled out for Thursday’s road game against the Las Vegas Raiders with a heel issue. LA will also be without quarterback Justin Herbert, who suffered a season-ending finger injury on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
With Herbert out, second-stringer Easton Stick will get the nod against the Chargers’ longtime AFC West rivals. Needless to say, Stick will have his work cutout for him with the Chargers missing their top two wide receivers.
Back in Week 3, Los Angeles lost No. 1 receiver Mike Williams for the season with a torn ACL. The hope was that 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston would be able to fill the void with Williams sidelined, but the TCU product only has 29 receptions for 333 yards and one touchdown this season.
With both Allen and Williams out, this is Johnston’s opportunity to shine as the Bolts’ new WR1. The team will also have to rely more on star running back Austin Ekeler, who’s endured a frustrating injury-riddled season.
The Chargers enter tomorrow night with a 5-8 record, having already surpassed last season’s loss total (they went 10-7). Even if they somehow win out without their three best offensive players, 9-8 probably won’t be enough to sneak into the postseason in a loaded AFC.
