The Chargers won a game without Austin Ekeler’s help last week, and they might have to do it again this Sunday. Ekeler is probably not going to play because his ankle is hurt, according to the team’s official injury report.
Many Los Angeles players are fighting with his injuries for Sunday’s game. Safety Derwin James may not play because his hamstring is hurt, and outside linebacker Joey Bosa might or might not play because of hamstring and toe issues.
The team is going to put center Corey Linsley on a special list because of a heart-related medical issue. This means he won’t be able to play for a while, as reported by NFL Network’s Bridget Condon.
Ekeler could only do a little in practice all week as he tried to get better from his injury and return to play. He could not play for two weeks because of being hurt. Without him, the Chargers tried to use Joshua Kelley to run the ball, but it did not work very well. So, they mostly focused on passing the ball instead.
Justin Herbert led the Chargers to a come-from-behind victory over the Vikings in a thrilling game in Minneapolis last weekend and found a way to lead Los Angeles to victory without Ekeler offsetting the Chargers’ offense.
Linsley’s absence will possibly have a long-term effect. The center played 16 games in 2021, 14 in 2022, and all three games through Week 4 in 2023. Six-year veteran Will Clapp is expected to replace Linsley, who will be an All-Pro in 2020 and a Pro Bowler in 2021.
Niners Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel is Doubtful for Sunday’s Game against the Cardinals
Deebo Samuel counts as a key 49er who may not be able to play in Week 4. Samuel (ribs/knee) is questionable for Sunday’s game between San Francisco and the Arizona Cardinals, coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday.
The news is not surprising. Shanahan told KNBR on Thursday that Samuel is questionable because the receiver was unable to practice.
Samuel injured his ribs while landing on the football in the Week 3 win over San Francisco. He was able to return and catch a 27-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy, giving the 49ers the victory, but his status has been unclear since then.
Samuel caught the ball 17 times and ran for 247 yards, scoring one touchdown in the first three games of 2023. He is a key player in the team’s offense, along with Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, as well as Christian McCaffrey, who all help pass the ball.
Aiyuk, who missed Week 3 with a shoulder injury, should be able to play well against Arizona, but fellow receiver Jauan Jennings (shin) is doubtful to play. San Francisco should be perfectly fine with Samuel not being able to travel on Sunday. Fantasy owners, on the other hand, need to find a backup plan.
