Chargers' rash of injuries — including rookie S RJ Mickens and Elijah Molden out — leaves Los Angeles thin in the secondary for Week 16 vs. Cowboys. Punters should lean toward Dallas on the moneyline or take the spread and consider the over on passing yards as Dallas can exploit a weakened Chargers secondary.
Chargers' Massive Week 16 Injury Report Clouds Playoff Picture Against Cowboys
The Los Angeles Chargers entered Week 16 with a daunting final injury report that could alter their playoff trajectory. Key names appeared on the list, including pass-rusher Bud Dupree and wideout Quentin Johnston, but the most consequential absences came in the secondary.
Rookie RJ Mickens Out; Secondary Suddenly Thin
Rookie safety RJ Mickens, a sixth-round pick who had emerged as a reliable playmaker with two interceptions and stout run defense in limited snaps, is out for at least Week 16 with a shoulder injury. Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Mickens’ instincts and communication, saying the rookie “takes coaching really well” and “is not an error repeater.” Mickens’ absence deprives the defense of developmental reps and a growing contributor in the backend.
Elijah Molden Also Missing; Depth Tested
Elijah Molden is listed out for the Cowboys matchup, leaving the Chargers heavily reliant on nickelback Derwin James and veterans Tony Jefferson and Kendall Williamson. The team traded away a safety before the deadline and currently lacks IR-return flexibility until the postseason, raising concerns about the unit’s depth if injuries persist.
Other Notable Injuries
Among others on the report were defensive lineman Teair Tart and notable names like Bud Dupree and Quentin Johnston. The breadth of absences creates matchup problems across the roster and forces coaches to shuffle personnel and game plans.
Game and Betting Implications
Missing two key safeties against a Cowboys offense that can attack through the air increases matchup opportunities for Dallas’ receivers and quarterback play. That shift makes Dallas more attractive in betting markets — consider the Cowboys on the moneyline or taking the spread, and markets tied to passing yards or receiver props may offer value against a weakened Chargers secondary.
Outlook and What to Watch
Watch how Los Angeles deploys Derwin James as a centerpiece of the back seven and whether the Chargers lean on veterans Tony Jefferson and Kendall Williamson in sub-packages. The team can survive a single-week absence of Mickens, but recurring or vague injury descriptions could hinder his development and the Chargers’ secondary stability down the stretch.
Why There’s Still Hope for the Raiders
A breakout Chargers rookie won't be able to play for an unknown amount of time.
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