The Los Angeles Chargers are struggling with a 0-5 record, largely due to significant injuries on their offensive line. The team has lost starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Alt to ankle and neck injuries, respectively, and Trevor Penning to a concussion, leaving them without their top three left guards. This has forced the Chargers to start four rookie offensive linemen against Denver, a situation more typical of a rebuilding team than one trying to compete.
In Week 4, sixth-round picks Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey were tasked with left guard and right tackle duties, respectively, with Taylor's performance resulting in three pressures and a critical strip sack that hindered the Chargers' comeback efforts. Despite the potential for internal solutions, such as the return of Taylor from the injury list, the overall offensive struggles are evident. The Chargers rank 32nd in offensive EPA, 30th in points per game at 16.8, and lead the league with 14 accepted false start penalties.
With quarterback Justin Herbert facing the second-most sacks in the league, the instability of the offensive line has compounded the team's difficulties. As the Chargers navigate this challenging season, the urgency of their situation is underscored by the fact that no team has ever made the playoffs after starting 0-5.