The Chargers’ defense, known for its intensity, faces a challenge as they lose a key player.
Pass rusher Khalil Mack suffered a serious elbow injury during Monday’s 20-9 win against the Raiders.
Mack was sidelined in the first quarter and was seen with a brace on his left arm later that night as he returned to the sidelines.
“We need to get some imaging tomorrow and see what the situation is,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned.
Mack, a veteran in his 12th year, got hurt while trying to tackle running back Tretucker.
As he extended his left arm for the tackle, he collided with teammate Troy Dye, causing his arm to bend in an unnatural manner.
Mack, visibly in pain, grabbed his arm and left the game, heading to the locker room.
Initially listed as questionable, the Chargers later downgraded him to out for the game, although he returned to witness his team secure their second consecutive victory.
“We want to step up for him,” Chargers Safety Darwin James expressed after the game. “He told us to keep going. He really cares about this team, and we’ve got his back.”
Despite the injury, the Chargers sit at the top of the AFC West, aided by a defense that limited Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs to just 21 points and intercepted Geno Smith three times, holding the Raiders to 218 yards.
Mack had registered one sack in this game, bringing his career total to 108.5.
Should Mack be sidelined for any length of time, it would be a setback for the Chargers, who are already without an offensive lineman after he suffered a season-ending injury in training camp.
The Chargers will continue facing tough opponents, starting with the Broncos this Sunday, before taking on the Giants in week four.
