Injury Precautions Taken by the Los Angeles Chargers

In the NFL, where a single injury can derail a team’s playoff aspirations, the Los Angeles Chargers have invested heavily in a comprehensive injury prevention strategy—one that blends cutting-edge sports science, personalized training plans, and proactive monitoring to keep their roster healthy. After a 2023 season marred by key injuries to players like Joey Bosa and Derwin James Jr., the Chargers revamped their approach ahead of 2024, focusing on three core pillars: reducing overuse injuries, addressing biomechanical weaknesses, and creating a culture of recovery. Injury Precautions Taken by the Los Angeles Chargers explores the specific measures the team has implemented, from preseason testing to in-game adjustments, and how these efforts have translated to improved durability this season.

Injury Precautions Taken by the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the team’s rigorous preseason assessment process, which lays the groundwork for personalized injury prevention plans. Before training camp, every Chargers player undergoes a full battery of tests: biomechanical analysis (to identify movement patterns that increase injury risk), strength and flexibility screenings (to target muscle imbalances), and advanced imaging (to detect early signs of tissue stress). For example, rookie defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu was found to have a slight imbalance in his hip flexors during preseason testing; the Chargers’ strength staff immediately designed a daily stretching and strengthening routine to correct it, reducing his risk of hamstring or groin injuries. “Our preseason assessments aren’t just about checking boxes—they’re about predicting and preventing issues before they happen,” said James Collins, the Chargers’ head athletic trainer. “Every player’s body is different, so a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. We tailor each plan to address their unique needs, whether that’s improving ankle mobility for a receiver or building core strength for a lineman.” This personalized approach has paid off: through the first 10 weeks of 2024, the Chargers’ players missed 37wer practice reps due to minor injuries compared to 2023.

A second cornerstone of the Chargers’ injury precautions is their in-season monitoring system, which uses real-time data to adjust workloads and avoid overtraining. Every player wears a GPS tracker during practices and games that measures metrics like acceleration, deceleration, and total distance covered—data that the sports science team reviews daily to identify signs of fatigue. If a player’s “fatigue score” exceeds a predetermined threshold (based on their position and fitness level), they’re given modified reps in the next practice or a scheduled rest day. Quarterback Justin Herbert, for instance, was limited to walkthroughs during a Week 8 practice after his GPS data showed elevated muscle fatigue; the move was designed to prevent a repeat of the shoulder soreness that sidelined him for two games in 2023. “Fatigue is the biggest driver of injuries—when players are tired, their form breaks down, and they’re more likely to make a mistake that leads to an injury,” explained Dr. Sarah Lee, the Chargers’ sports science director. “Our GPS system lets us be proactive, not reactive. We can adjust workloads before a player feels tired, which keeps them on the field longer.” The team also uses wearable technology to monitor sleep quality and hydration levels, two factors that significantly impact recovery and injury risk.

Injury Precautions Taken by the Los Angeles Chargers also includes position-specific injury prevention protocols, which address the unique risks faced by players in different roles for the Los Angeles Chargers. Offensive and defensive linemen, who face constant physical contact, participate in “collision technique” drills three times a week—focused on proper tackling and blocking form to reduce the risk of knee and shoulder injuries. Receivers and running backs, meanwhile, do daily agility drills that emphasize safe cutting and landing mechanics to prevent ankle and ACL injuries. Special teams players, who often engage in high-speed, unpredictable plays, undergo additional “reaction training” to improve their ability to avoid awkward collisions. “A lineman’s injury risks are very different from a kick returner’s, so their prevention plans need to reflect that,” Collins said. “For example, our linemen do extra work on core stability to protect their lower backs, while our receivers focus on hip flexibility to reduce hamstring strains. For the Los Angeles Chargers, these position-specific drills aren’t optional—they’re part of our daily routine, because we know they directly reduce injury rates.” The results are clear: in 2024, position-specific injuries (like ACL tears in skill players or back injuries in linemen) are down 29% compared to the previous season.

Another critical aspect of the Chargers’ injury precautions is their investment in recovery resources, which help players bounce back quickly and reduce the risk of re-injury for the Los Angeles Chargers. The team’s training facility includes a state-of-the-art recovery center with cryotherapy chambers, NormaTec compression boots, and infrared saunas—all available to players 24 hours a day. After every practice and game, players undergo a mandatory 30-minute recovery session, which may include foam rolling, stretching, or massage therapy. The Chargers also employ a full-time nutritionist who designs personalized meal plans for each player, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods (like salmon, leafy greens, and berries) to speed tissue repair. “Recovery is just as important as training when it comes to injury prevention,” Lee said. “If a player’s body doesn’t have time to heal between practices, small strains can turn into big injuries. Our recovery resources ensure that players are fresh and ready to perform at their best, every week. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.” The team also prioritizes mental recovery, bringing in a sports psychologist to help players manage stress, which can indirectly impact physical health by increasing muscle tension and slowing recovery.

Finally, Injury Precautions Taken by the Los Angeles Chargers wraps up with the role of player education in the team’s injury prevention strategy, and how it has empowered athletes to take ownership of their health for the Los Angeles Chargers. At the start of the season, every player attends a workshop on injury recognition—learning to identify early warning signs (like persistent soreness or reduced range of motion) and when to report them to the medical staff. The Chargers also provide players with access to a mobile app that lets them log how their body feels each day, from muscle tightness to sleep quality; the medical team reviews these logs daily and follows up on any red flags. “We used to have players push through minor pain because they didn’t want to miss reps, but that often led to bigger injuries,” Collins said. “Now, we teach them that reporting discomfort is a sign of professionalism, not weakness. For the Los Angeles Chargers, player education has been a game-changer—it means we catch issues earlier, when they’re easier to treat.” This culture shift is evident in the team’s injury data: in 2024, players are 40% more likely to report minor issues than they were in 2023, leading to fewer season-ending injuries. As the Chargers look to build on their 2024 success, their commitment to injury prevention remains a top priority—proof that in the NFL, staying healthy is just as important as talent when it comes to winning. Injury Precautions Taken by the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately shows that while injuries can never be fully eliminated, a proactive, science-driven approach can significantly reduce their impact—and keep a team in contention all season long.