Ravens' struggles raise some immediate questions about Jesse Minter's Chargers exit
How quickly should young, rising coordinators be elevated to head coaching positions?
Latest news and updates about the Chargers
How quickly should young, rising coordinators be elevated to head coaching positions?
Derwin James faces a setback in his hamstring rehab and may be placed on injured reserve, extending his absence to at least seven games for the Los Angeles Chargers. The safety has missed the past three contests, recording 21 tackles and a pass breakup in three healthy outings this season. At 30, James recently signed a three‑year extension through 2029, making his potential IR stint the second major post‑contract injury for the Chargers, following Rashawn Slater’s 2025 season‑ending tendon tear.
The Los Angeles Chargers have confirmed that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will retain play‑calling duties despite the unit ranking last in the NFL with a 15.0 points‑per‑game average and the team’s 0‑6 start. Head coach Jim Harbaugh announced the decision during the bye week, despite criticism targeting McDaniel for the Chargers' offensive woes, injuries, and quarterback struggles. The move follows a six‑point outing against the Chiefs that left the Chargers at the bottom of the league. McDaniel, previously praised for his work with the Dolphins, now faces mounting pressure as the season stalls.
Jim Harbaugh confirmed Mike McDaniel will continue calling plays, which brings the Chargers one step closer to a dangerous trap.
The Los Angeles Chargers’ 0-6 start worsens as All-Pro safety Derick James faces a possible IR stint after his hamstring fails to heal, coach Jim Harbaugh confirms. James has played only three games, recording 21 tackles, and may be sidelined indefinitely. The Bolts also battle injuries to star receiver Ladd McConkey (concussion) and Brennen Thompson (quad), while Tre Harris returns from a hamstring strain. Quarterback Justin Herbert struggles with eight interceptions to five touchdowns, prompting trade speculation linking him to the Seattle Seahawks. The Chargers head to SoFi Stadium on Sunday as visitors against the Rams.
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. could be headed for injured reserve.
The Los Angeles Chargers have held their own without Derwin James Jr. in the fold. How much longer can they do it?
Despite the Chargers' 0-6 start and last-place AFC West standing, head coach Jim Harbaugh confirms offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will retain play‑calling duties after the bye week. Harbaugh said the staff will review the offense but sees no immediate change, quashing rumors that senior offensive assistant Adam Gase might take over. McDaniel, hired for 2026 after a four‑year stint with Miami that yielded a 35‑33 record and two playoff trips, currently oversees a unit ranked 30th in scoring and 26th overall. The decision keeps the existing offensive scheme in place as the team seeks a turnaround.
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will continue to call plays despite the offense's struggles during an 0-6 start to the 2026 season.
Sharp Football Analysis’s Week 8 fantasy worksheet pits the LA Chargers against the LA Rams. The Rams are favored by 6.5 points (implied total 25.5) and boast a strong touchdown‑on‑drive rate (28.6%). The Chargers, however, sit 0‑5‑1 against the spread and rank last in offensive EPA, scoring touchdowns on just 12.7% of possessions. Quarterback outlooks: Matthew Stafford has limited yardage but high touchdown efficiency, while Justin Herbert returns from a bye with career‑low stats and a 59.4% completion rate. Key trends include the Chargers’ league‑worst sack‑plus‑turnover rate and the Rams’ run‑heavy, short‑pass game.
Trade deadline chatter heats up across the NFC. The Bears, after missing out on DeForest Buckner, are still hunting defensive help, while the Cardinals' OLB Josh Sweat and safety Budda Baker draw serious trade interest despite contract concerns. Los Angeles could flip Khalil Mack if the Chargers decide to move players, and the Rams are being eyed as potential buyers. Meanwhile, the Vikings, seeking line‑of‑scrimmage upgrades, see WR Jauan Jennings as a possible outbound piece. Sources from ESPN and Jordan Schultz fuel the buzz.
The Los Angeles Chargers need to face the music sooner rather than later ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10.
The Los Angeles Chargers sit 0-6 and, per source Jordan Schultz, remain reluctant to make any trades before the NFL deadline. With a tough slate—including the Rams, Texans and Ravens—analysts argue the team should flip veterans like Khalil Mack, Dalvin Tomlinson or wideout Quentin Johnston for draft capital and consider deals for prospects such as Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith. Staying passive could backfire as the roster’s future looks bleak, making a rebuild through asset accumulation the logical path.
Derwin James says Los Angeles Chargers rookie Akheem Mesidor could soon become one of the top edge defenders in the NFL.
The latest AFC trade chatter spotlights several moving pieces as the deadline looms. The Chargers aren’t actively selling, but OLB Khalil Mack, WR Quentin Johnston and CB Donte Jackson could attract offers if the mood shifts. The Chiefs, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, may need a receiver boost, eyeing Colts WR Josh Downs or Browns WR Jerry Jeudy. Jets WR Garrett Wilson stays put unless a deal includes two first‑round picks and a starter, while RB Breece Hall’s contract is tradable but unlikely to move. OLB Will McDonald IV emerges as the Jets’ top trade bait, possibly for a fourth‑round pick. Meanwhile, Raiders OL Jackson Powers‑Johnson is a candidate after a Week 6 benching, and QB Kirk Cousins could fetch value if Las Vegas decides to trade.
The Rams enter Sunday’s clash with the Chargers as the league’s top‑scoring offense (399.1 yards per game, 1st) despite a 3‑4 record. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown for 1,989 yards and 14 TDs, while Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald bolster a defense that ranks near the middle of the league. The Chargers, meanwhile, struggle at 287.2 total yards (26th) and 15 points per game (30th), with Justin Herbert posting 1,141 passing yards and five touchdowns. Key defensive players include Khalil Mack and Cam Hart. The preview weighs the Rams’ offensive firepower against the Chargers’ low‑output game plan ahead of the October 28 matchup.
The New York Giants place running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. on injured reserve after a hamstring injury in the overtime win over the Houston Texans on Oct. 25, sidelining him for at least four games. Tracy, who scored three touchdowns in his last two outings, is replaced by undrafted rookie Gregory Desrosiers from the Chargers’ practice squad, while Cam Skattebo and Devin Singletary see increased carries. GM Joe Schoen says the move won’t end Tracy’s season but adds depth testing ahead of a long stretch post‑bye, especially after the recent release of Najee Harris.
The New York Giants respond to rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr.'s four‑week hamstring IR stint by signing Memphis rookie Greg Desrosiers from the Chargers' practice squad, not by chasing a blockbuster trade for Indianapolis star Jonathan Taylor. GM Joe Schoen assures reporters the injury is temporary and the team will rely on Cam Skattebo, Devin Singletary and the new addition for depth, keeping the backfield rotation intact ahead of the 2026 trade deadline.
The Daily Norseman breaks down the broadcast coverage map for this Sunday’s NFC North showdown between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. Most of the northern U.S., parts of New England, and even Alaska will see the game on FOX, highlighted in red, with the network pitching it as the week’s top matchup by assigning its #1 crew—Kevin Burkhardt and former quarterback Tom Brady. The map also shows overlapping CBS double‑header games, like the Chargers‑Rams, affecting markets such as Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. The article notes other regional pairings (Arizona‑Dallas, Las Vegas‑Jets, Atlanta‑Tampa Bay) and invites comments on the odd market allocations.
With the NFL trade deadline looming on Nov. 10, ESPN insiders rank the Detroit Lions as the top destination for four potential trade targets. Cornerback Riq Woolen (Eagles) and Donte Jackson (Chargers) both carry $6 million contracts and could add height and experience to Detroit’s struggling secondary. Edge rusher Shemar Stewart, the Bengals’ 17th‑overall pick who has seen limited snaps, fits the Lions’ need for a physical pass‑rusher. Guard Cesar Ruiz (Saints) appears a less likely fit, given Detroit’s existing interior line depth. The piece breaks down each player’s stats, contract situation, and why the Lions are seen as a "best fit" for these candidates.
New England could look to add this Chargers' mainstay to their ranks after L.A.'s disappointing start to the season.
SB Nation Reacts launches a poll asking fans to predict how many victories the Los Angeles Chargers will notch after a 0‑6 start. Following their Week 7 bye, the team faces the Rams at SoFi Stadium with head coach Mike McDaniel still at the helm and no staff changes. Readers are invited to guess whether the Chargers finish 0‑17, 1‑16, or manage two to four wins by season’s end.
With the Browns riding a 5-2 start, GM Andrew Berry faces a buyer’s market at the Nov. 10 trade deadline. The piece advises against costly pursuits like RB Jonathan Taylor or Saquon Barkley, but highlights affordable edge upgrades such as Chargers’ Tuli Tuipulotu and Eagles’ OLB Nolan Smith. It also urges rapid action on high‑impact targets: Khalil Mack, TE Charlie Kolar, CB Amik Robertson, and other Chargers assets, noting Cleveland’s need for more pass‑rush depth and tighter end options ahead of the Week 8 showdown with Pittsburgh. The article balances realistic pricing with the squad’s playoff push.
Pro Football Network’s two‑round mock draft gives the Las Vegas Raiders a bold makeover, selecting Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker at No. 15 and Texas safety Jelani McDonald at No. 48. Becker, a top receiver prospect, would reunite with fellow Hoosier quarterback Fernando Mendoza, while the safety pick raises questions after the Raiders drafted safety Treydan Stukes in 2026. The article notes fan excitement, upcoming discussion threads on Silver and Black Pride, and references related draft chatter, including the Chargers winning the Jeremiah Smith sweepstakes.
The Los Angeles Chargers need to explore their options for a Khalil Mack trade. Even if he has the control, additional teams in the mix gives them leverage.