Roster Depth Helps the Los Angeles Chargers Overcome Injuries

The 2025 NFL season has tested the Los Angeles Chargers with a string of high-profile injuries—from star wide receiver Keenan Allen missing four games to defensive end Joey Bosa sidelined for three—but the team has stayed in playoff contention thanks to one critical asset: roster depth. Roster Depth Helps the Los Angeles Chargers Overcome Injuries explores how the Chargers’ front office built a resilient lineup through strategic draft picks, veteran free-agent signings, and practice squad elevations, turning potential season derailments into opportunities for backup players to shine. For a franchise that has historically struggled with injury-related collapses, this depth isn’t just a luxury—it’s the backbone of their ability to compete with the AFC’s top teams.

Roster Depth Helps the Los Angeles Chargers Overcome Injuries begins with the team’s most impactful injury: Allen’s four-game absence in October with a hamstring strain. Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler and the Chargers’ all-time leading receiver, was averaging 8 catches and 95 yards per game before the injury, leaving a massive void in the passing offense. But instead of collapsing, the Chargers turned to a trio of backups: Ladd McConkey (who emerged as Justin Herbert’s top target, catching 24 passes for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns during Allen’s absence), Joshua Palmer (who stepped into the slot role and recorded 18 catches for 210 yards), and rookie sixth-round pick Tyler Scott (who made his first career start and hauled in a 45-yard touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders). “Losing Keenan is never easy, but we built this roster to handle it,” said Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. “We didn’t just have one backup—we had three players who could step in and contribute. That’s the difference between winning and losing when injuries hit.”

Roster Depth Helps the Los Angeles Chargers Overcome Injuries delves into the offensive line, a unit that faced multiple injuries but still kept Herbert protected. The Chargers lost starting left tackle Rashawn Slater to a knee injury for two games and starting center Corey Linsley to a concussion for three, but backups stepped up seamlessly. Third-year tackle Storm Norton filled in for Slater, allowing just one sack and grading out at 78.2 (per Pro Football Focus) in his two starts, while practice squad elevation Cameron Tom took over for Linsley and helped the Chargers rush for 120+ yards in both of his starts. Even when guard Zion Johnson missed one game with an ankle sprain, veteran backup Wes Schweitzer (signed in the offseason) stepped in and didn’t allow a single pressure. This depth wasn’t an accident: Telesco prioritized offensive line depth in the offseason, re-signing Norton, adding Schweitzer, and drafting Tom in the seventh round to ensure no single injury would cripple the unit. “Offensive line depth is the unsung hero of any good team,” said head coach Brandon Staley. “You can have the best quarterback in the world, but if he’s getting sacked every play, it doesn’t matter. Our backups have kept Justin clean, and that’s why our offense has stayed consistent.”

Roster Depth Helps the Los Angeles Chargers Overcome Injuries examines the defensive line, where injuries to Bosa and defensive tackle Austin Johnson could have derailed the pass rush—but didn’t. When Bosa missed three games with a calf strain, the Chargers turned to Khalil Mack (who stepped up his production, recording 4 sacks and 6 tackles for loss) and backup Chris Rumph II (who had the best stretch of his career, tallying 2 sacks and 3 quarterback hits). When Johnson was sidelined for two games with a bicep injury, veteran backup Linval Joseph (a free-agent signing) and rookie third-round pick Malik McDowell combined for 15 tackles and 2 sacks, helping the Chargers hold opposing running backs to under 90 yards per game. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this defensive line depth is a product of intentional roster building: Telesco retained Mack with a long-term contract, drafted Rumph and McDowell to develop behind veterans, and signed Joseph to provide rotational support. “Our defensive line depth is a testament to our scouting department,” said defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley. “We don’t just draft players for now—we draft them to be ready when their number is called. Chris and Malik proved they’re more than just backups—they’re playmakers.”

Roster Depth Helps the Los Angeles Chargers Overcome Injuries explores the role of the practice squad in providing emergency depth, a resource the Chargers leaned on multiple times. When cornerback J.C. Jackson missed two games with a shoulder injury, the Chargers elevated practice squad cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor, who recorded 8 tackles and 2 pass deflections in his starts. When running back Austin Ekeler was limited by an ankle injury, practice squad running back Larry Rountree III was called up and rushed for 65 yards on 14 carries against the Denver Broncos, helping the Chargers control the clock. The practice squad also served as a developmental hub: Scott, the rookie receiver, spent the first four weeks on the practice squad before being elevated, and Tom, the backup center, was a practice squad mainstay before getting his chance. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the practice squad isn’t just a place to stash young players—it’s an extension of the active roster, with players getting daily reps with the first team and studying film with coaches to ensure they’re ready to contribute at a moment’s notice. “We treat our practice squad players like they’re on the active roster,” said Staley. “They get the same reps, the same coaching, and the same expectations. When they’re called up, they don’t feel like rookies—they feel like they’ve been part of the team all along.”

Roster Depth Helps the Los Angeles Chargers Overcome Injuries wraps up with the long-term lessons of this injury-resilient season. The Chargers’ ability to overcome injuries isn’t just about luck—it’s about a front office that prioritizes depth over flashy signings, a coaching staff that develops backup players, and a team culture where backups don’t see themselves as “second string” but as critical contributors. This depth has kept the Chargers in the playoff hunt (they’re 9-5 through 14 games) and has turned role players into fan favorites—McConkey, Rumph, and Taylor have all gained significant followings on social media, with fans praising their “next man up” mentality. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this season has proven that roster depth isn’t just a strategy—it’s a mindset. “Injuries are part of the NFL—every team deals with them,” said Telesco. “The difference is how you prepare for them. We built this roster to be resilient, and our players have stepped up when it matters most. That’s the sign of a team that’s ready to win.” As the Chargers head into the final stretch of the season, their depth will continue to be their greatest strength—ensuring that no single injury can stop their push for a playoff spot and a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.