The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for a playoff game as they head on the road to face the Houston Texans on Sunday. One way or another, the Chargers are going to have to play their biggest game of the season as a team My hometown is being torn apart by wildfires. Los Angeles has taken on an apocalyptic feel this week as devastating fires have burned tens of thousands of acres around the city. The Chargers continued to practice Thursday from their home base in El Segundo, more than 32 miles from the Pacific Palisades fire site, but the sky told an eerie tale of the destruction around them.
Chargers players wore masks during Thursday's practice. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said of his team: Poor air quality reduces the duration and intensity of outdoor practice. Look at these photos.
Taylor Heinicke (kneels) among Chargers players wearing masks during a walkthrough today as the Chargers prepare to travel to Houston this afternoon. Air quality is definitely a concern today, even in El Segundo. pic.twitter.com/sI5Fyaju4y
— Thuc Nhi Nguyen (@thucnhi21) January 9, 2025
Among the players wearing masks today were QB Taylor Heinicke, DT Otito Ogbonya and T Joe Alto. The sky is orange and ash is scattered during practice. pic.twitter.com/vV568jappn
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 9, 2025
ESPN reporter Chris Lim showed the difference in air quality during practice from Wednesday to Thursday. The situation has been worsening by the minute over the past 48 hours, and there is still no end in sight.
Harbaugh said the players have been limited to half the time they normally spend outdoors.
Jim Harbaugh said the Chargers are not looking to get to Houston early or find a place to practice indoors.
He said he had followed the recommendations of “experts” and limited players' outdoor time to half their normal amount.
Harbaugh also wears an LAFD hat. pic.twitter.com/w4jAlKDXPt
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 9, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick He reportedly lost his home in a fire.. It's incomprehensible that Chargers players who are likely in crisis at home would have to perform in a playoff game.
The NFL has already put together a contingency plan. Monday night's game will feature the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Washington Commanders, just in case the situation worsens. The Chargers are off on the road, but it will be hard to distract them from what's happening back home.
