Bowers is labeled as doubtful for this game, but reports from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network state that Bowers is not expected to play vs. Chargers. Bowers is still recovering from a minor knee procedure.

However, Rapoport also reported that Bowers “should be good to go” for Week 3 when the Raiders face the New Orleans Saints. Bowers is one of the most elite tight ends in the NFL, so for the Raiders, they need him back as soon as possible.

Who is Bowers replacement?

Michael Mayer is the primary replacement for Las Vegas Raiders’ TE1 spot. Mayer is a good, reliable veteran. Tight ends Ian Thomas and Jalen Myarick are also available on the roster, but they are more blocking tight ends.

Mayer caught six passes on seven targets during the Raiders’ win in Week 1 over the Miami Dolphins. He was very involved. He might not be Bowers, but he is a very serviceable tight end to have.

The Raiders rely on TEs as WR room is thin

The Raiders might have one of the best tight end rooms in the NFL but that’s not the case for the wide receivers. Hence, the playbook has plenty of schemes designed for the tight end to thrive, as the wideouts are not close to being stars. These are the WRs for the Raiders:

• Tre Tucker
• Jalen Nailor
• Jack Bech
• Cody White
• Malik Benson
• Dareke Young

The decision regarding his status remained up in the air, but the Bolts will be able to have the WR on the field at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers’ offense must quickly get back on track after a disappointing debut.

McConkey is one of Justin Herbert’s most reliable targets, and having him on the gridiron is crucial for the Chargers. After their stumble in the season opener, Los Angeles needs to win its second game of the season.

What exactly happened to McConkey?

McConkey is dealing with a rib injury that he picked up in the third quarter of the season opener against Arizona Cardinals after taking a big hit over the middle. Tests later confirmed it’s a cracked rib, which kept him out of practice for most of the week before he managed a limited session on Friday.

More options for Herbert

With McConkey banged up, Justin Herbert is leaning heavily on Tre’ Harris and Quentin Johnston to step up as his primary perimeter options and keep the Chargers‘ aerial attack on schedule. Harris gives Herbert a big-bodied, physical target who can win contested catches down the field, while Johnston offers explosive, run-after-catch ability that can turn a short drag route into a chunk play at any moment.

As for McConkey’s Week 1 performance against the Cardinals, he was hyper-efficient before exiting early in the third quarter, racking up 5 receptions on 7 targets for 82 yards and an 8-yard touchdown.

What’s next for Los Angeles?

Looking past their Week 2 showdown against the Raiders, the Chargers are facing a challenging early-season stretch over the next three weeks. They head out on the road for back-to-back hostile environment games, visiting the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, before returning home in Week 5 for a big division battle against the Denver Broncos.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Moore’s shoulder injury isn’t as bad, but that doesn’t mean he will come back. Per Schefter, his source said, Moore “has a chance to play next week (vs. the Chargers), but it’s not a lock, either.”

The good news is the injury isn’t considered serious by the doctors. Hence, he has a ‘day-to-day‘ label. Given that the Bills have a long week after dismantling the Lions on Thursday Night Football, they remain hopeful that Moore can suit up.

The Bills still looked great without Moore

While Moore is important and clearly the WR1 of the team, the Bills still had an incredible offensive output. The fact is that when Josh Allen is the quarterback, the offense will produce regardless. With Moore, life’s easier, but without him, the Bills still move the chains.

Against the Lions, they scored 41 points, put up 446 total yards. The Bills are an unstoppable force. With Moore, they just add more firepower in a multidimensional level, as Moore can operate in many ways.

The game vs Chargers should be another shootout

While the Chargers started very slow, the offense projects to be absolutely fireworks too. Both defenses have stuff to clean out, hence, Week 3 could be a third-straight high-scoring game for Buffalo.

“The Giants are signing CB Nikko Reed from the Chargers practice squad,” Jordan Raanan ofESPN’s NFL Nation reported. While Reed was a practice squad member on Harbaugh’s Chargers, he is jumping right into the active roster of Harbaugh’s Giants. One man’s loss is another man’s gain, even when the two men involved are siblings.

“Reed lands on the Giants active roster with them short on healthy cornerbacks. Paulson Adebo didn’t practice Thursday. Deonte Banks and Greg Newsome were limited,” Raanan stated. Short on options at cornerback, the Giants wasted no time bringing in reinforcements to East Rutherford before taking on a stacked, desperate-to-get-back-on-track Rams‘ offense.

Desperate times require desperate solutions, like a neighbor asking for a spare hammer or ladder to change a lightbulb. John Harbaugh resorted to his brother Jim Harbaugh’s team for a stopgap addition at cornerback. This time around, the older brother didn’t ask; he simply swooped in and snatched a cornerback, taking Reed back with him to New York.

Peculiar schedule for Reed

With the Giants heading for Los Angeles on Saturday and Reed’s signing coming on Thursday, the 23-year-old cornerback will be in for a busy schedule, flying from LAX to the Big Apple only to fly back to the City of Angels in a matter of hours.

In the NFL, adventures like this are commonplace, and in order to survive in an ever-changing landscape, players must adapt in a heartbeat, especially an undrafted player like Reed, who is still trying to make a name for himself. Clearly, he’s someone the Harbaugh household is familiar with.

After some time with Jim in Los Angeles, Reed will experience life with John in New York. Though some stability would be nice, there are far worse places to call home and worse coaches to have as a boss in the NFL.

Reed’s stats

Coming off of college, where he played for the Colorado Buffaloes (2021-2022) and Oregon Ducks (2023-2024), Reed signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2025 NFL season. He made the 53-man active roster and appeared in five games before being shut down with a hamstring injury.

Last season, Reed recorded 2 total tackles and one pass deflection. His highlight came in the preseason, when he recorded an interception in the 2025 Hall of Fame Game. Reed hasn’t played in an NFL game since Dec. 27, 2025.

McConkey was able to walk off the field on his own before entering the medical blue tent on the Chargers’ sideline. Shortly after, he jogged to the locker room to undergo further evaluation. In the meantime, Justin Herbert will be without his most reliable target during Los Angeles’ 2026 NFL season opener.

With McConkey off the field, the Chargers’ WR depth chart features: Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, Brenen Thompson, and Derius Davis. Needless to say, it’s slim pickings for Herbert, and the Bolts are in trouble.

“Ladd McConkey (chest) and Keandre Lambert-Smith (hamstring) are questionable to return,” the Chargers announced on X. Lambert-Smith would have been another option on the Chargers’ depth chart.

Surprise injury

When McConkey went down at SoFi Stadium after the big hit from Cardinals’ Mack Wilson, he appeared to be grabbing at his hip, showing discomfort in that region. However, the Chargers have now revealed the third-year wide receiver is dealing with a chest injury.

Before leaving the game with a chest injury, McConkey had caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown, leading the certainly-not-off-to-the-races Chargers in receiving.

Concerning offensive outing

Mike McDaniel’s debut as offensive coordinator was anything but as advertised. Los Angeles didn’t look anything close to what fans expected from the offensive-minded guru, failing to take advantage of Herbert’s skills. McConkey’s setback only dug the Chargers a deeper hole.

On the team’s first drive without him, Herbert threw an interception into the hands of safety Andrew Wingard. When it rains, it pours. And there may be a leak in SoFi Stadium’s roof.

“Allow me to call my shot, like Babe Ruth pointing his bat over to centerfield: Justin Herbert, when it’s all said and done, when his career comes to an end, I predict he will be known as the greatest, best ever to play the position of quarterback,” the head coach said on The White House with Michael Irvin.

Harbaugh also added: “When it’s all said and done, and his career is finished, we’re going to look back and say, ‘Yep, that’s the best that ever did it.’” It is clear that the coaching staff’s confidence in their star quarterback remains intact. The only question now is whether Herbert can ultimately back it up on the field.

Herbert’s numbers since entering the NFL

Since landing in the NFL as the Chargers‘ 6th overall pick in the 2020 Draft, Justin Herbert has been an absolute absolute gun thrower. Through six seasons, he’s already racked up 24,820 passing yards, 163 touchdowns, and 58 interceptions with a crisp 66.5% completion rate.

Statistically, his pinnacle single-game masterpiece came in Week 5 of the 2021 season against the Cleveland Browns: in a wild 47-42 shootout victory, Herbert put on a clinic, throwing for 398 passing yards and 4 touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. That same year, he dropped his best overall season to date, lighting up defenses for 5,014 passing yards and 38 touchdowns, cementing his place as one of the premier arm talents in the league.

Harbaugh and the Chargers’ first challenges of 2026

Jim Harbaugh’s squad is gearing up for a physical five-game gauntlet to set the tone for their season. They open up with back-to-back home games at SoFi Stadium against the Arizona Cardinals and a division rivalry clash with the Las Vegas Raiders.

After that warm-up at home, things get extremely physical on the road with back-to-back trips to face the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks at two of the league’s toughest venues. They close out this opening stretch back in LA with another high-stakes AFC West matchup against the Denver Broncos before heading into their early divisional battle with Kansas City Chiefs.

Gordon, 33, admitted missing football “every day“, and it makes sense. He had already made a name for himself before entering the NFL, with a memorable senior year in college. In 2014, Gordon earned unanimous All-American honors as well as the Doak Walker Award as the top college running back after leading the NCAA in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

It explained why the Chargers (still in San Diego by then) drafted him 15th overall in 2015, and Gordon didn’t let the franchise down. A two-time Pro Bowler (2016, 2018), he also spent time with the Denver Broncos (2020-2022), Kansas City Chiefs (2022), and Baltimore Ravens (2023) before retiring on a one-day contract as a Charger. Flash-forward to 2026, Gordon can look back on his career with plenty of pride as an emotional tribute from his alma mater awaits.

Melvin Gordon reflects on Wisconsin days, reveals expectations for 2026 Badgers

Bolavip: What can you tell us about life after retirement, and what are you currently doing after football?

Melvin Gordon: I golf a lot, man. I golf every day. And then, while I’m not golfing out, just working with different brands. Working with Kickstand Cocktails, just trying to grow my brand, man. Just trying to grow my brand and stay active, and not just sit on the couch and be thinking about football all day.

Bolavip: Do you miss football?

Melvin Gordon: Every day.

Bolavip: And what does it mean to you to be inducted into the Badgers’ Hall of Fame? What do you remember about those years in college?

Melvin Gordon: It means everything to me. I mean, I’m a Wisconsin kid, so I just remember Coach B telling me, “you come here, you’ll be in a position to be remembered forever.” And for that to be a reality for me, it’s been a lot of players that have come through Wisconsin, and now I had this opportunity. So it’s not something that I take lightly. It’s a blessing, man. I’m blessed to be honored in front of a lot of my peers, and a lot of my Wisconsin natives.

Bolavip: Wisconsin faced tough opponents last season. How do you see the program and what are your expectations this year?

Melvin Gordon: Every year I expect us to be good. Now every year, your team might not meet expectations or whatever. I mean, you see the Alabama fans, that’s just for an example. They didn’t have the season that they wanted. But I expect us to be well, I expect us to be good.

I expect us, especially with our schedule, to be able to compete and get in the playoffs. I want us to get in the playoffs. We should have an opportunity to get in the playoffs. We will handle our business against Notre Dame, I think we’ll be good.

I think we have a quarterback that can play throughout the year. I think we’ll be able to win some football games, put ourselves in a position to have our opportunity. I think we’ll be good. I’m excited. They’ve been taking a lot of heat, no one believes in them, and I think that’s the best route to take to get to the playoffs, being doubted.

Philip Rivers’ unexpected NFL comeback in 2025

Bolavip: What was it like to see Philip Rivers come back and play last year in the NFL?

Melvin Gordon: It was dope. I mean, Phil is one of my good friends, man. He was one of my favorite teammates. He’s so competitive, so fiery. He’s just one of those guys that everybody wants to play for, and I was rooting for him to come out and do that.

I don’t think people understand how hard that is. It’s hard being out a certain amount of years and then coming back, and then having to be put in as far as the captain of the team and you leading the ship.

So to be out and come and do that, I was hoping they won because they would have been able to go up against the Chargers in the playoffs, and I think that would have made just good TV and it’d been good for reporters, that’s one of those moments you hope that everybody get a chance to talk about.

So it didn’t happen, but I was glad he was able to go out there and do his thing, and also renew his years on his medical pensions that the NFL got to give him. That was good too, for him and his family.

Expectations on 2026 Chargers and advice for Omarion Hampton

Bolavip: How do you see the Chargers now with this quarterback-coach duo, and how much different do you see this franchise compared to your years on the team?

Melvin Gordon: I mean, it’s always different. Every team got different players, different coaches, different different makeup. This team is definitely not the same as ours. I mean, you still got players like Derwin James and Denzel Perryman that played there when I was there, but it’s just a different makeup.

And [Jim] Harbaugh, we expect him to come in and be great. He’s won at every team that he’s been a part of, and I don’t expect anything less. I was just there, I did some interviews with them and I was able to watch them practice, and I’m excited.

I’m excited, you know, they’re not like really crazy, heavy hitter names, but you don’t need that. You just need a team full of guys that just want it more than the next team. So it’s just a big camaraderie, that’s what football is. In the end, that’s the team. The team that knows how to play together, that’s the team that gets the furthest. So I think they’re able to do that. It’s early, but I think if we can stay away from injuries, we’ll always have a chance to get at that Super Bowl.

Bolavip: And what do you see in Omarion Hampton, another first-round pick in your position? What’s your advice for him?

Melvin Gordon: I was just talking to him. He’s really chill. He doesn’t speak too much. He’s bigger than I thought, and he’s fast. So he’s well-rounded, man. So my advice to him is just to go out there and do your thing, be who you are. Just remember why they drafted you. You don’t have to get into any comparisons with anybody.

Like I said, the makeup is different. This is your time, you’re the starting running back for the Los Angeles Chargers. Your time will come and go like everyone else’s. Like mine, like LT’s (LaDainian Tomlinson), like Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead’s, your time as a Charger will come and go. And it’s just for you to make the best of it. So, just put yourself in the best position to win, and do what you can to be in a position to win a Super Bowl, because you’ll be remembered forever.

Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Russell Wilson

Bolavip: Your journey also included a brief but very fruitful time with the Chiefs. You played for the Broncos and Ravens as well. But what was it like to work around Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and being around the team during that Super Bowl win?

Melvin Gordon: Yeah, it gave me just a different perspective of how things are supposed to be, just from their perspective. Andy Reid, he’s one of the best coaches out there, I’m not going to lie to you. I mean, just the way they ran practice, structure, everything, it just fit my style really well, and I wish I would have gone back. But it is what it is. I got me a Super Bowl and I’m blessed about that as well.

I can’t be too mad about the position that I’m put in when it comes to my career. I’ve had a chance to play with some phenomenal players and coaches. And Pat Mahomes might be one of the best football players I’ve ever seen in my life. At this point, he just needs the rings to follow suit with that.

Bolavip: You also spent time with Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson. What was it like for you?

Melvin Gordon: They’re different players. I think Lamar Jackson, he’s probably one of the better athletes I’ve ever seen in my life. But he’s really good too. They’re just different styles. They’re all different in their own way, and really it just comes down to what offensive coordinator you fit the best. What fits your system, and the way you want to run things best. And then they can all be great, because I think Mahomes does things that Lamar can and can’t do, vice versa.

And the same thing with Russell, just being able to throw on the run and different things like that, his deep ball. They’re all great in their own way. Trying to pick who’s better is really difficult because, unless you’re an offensive coordinator, you’ve just got to find the guy that fits your scheme best.

Gordon’s favorite active running backs

Bolavip: Who are your favorite running backs today?

Melvin Gordon: My favorite running back today is Jonathan Taylor. He’s probably one of my favorites. Probably Abu (Sama III), the running back Wisconsin just picked up, so I’ll be tailgating there. I’m going to be, throw me back some Kickstands, man. Just tailgate at the games with the fans, link up with them, go watch my Badgers. Win or lose, I’m in there.

But, I definitely have to go with, obviously, my Badgers, and then I’m biased with Dare Ogunbowale and Jonathan Taylor. Jonathan Taylor’s my number one back right now.

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MELVIN GORDON ON BOLAVIP US:

How to watch Chargers vs Rams in the USA

Chargers vs Rams will be available to watch on CBS Los Angeles and NFL Network in the United States. For streaming, Fubo and NFL+ are some option for eligible viewers, offering live out-of-market preseason games.

Can I watch Chargers vs Rams for free?

Eligible viewers can watch Chargers vs Rams for free with Fubo‘s 5-day free trial. The streaming platform currently advertises a free-trial option and carries NFL Network, which is broadcasting the preseason matchup nationally.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

This game is less about the scoreboard and more about who makes the final cut. The Chargers and Rams are closing their preseason at SoFi Stadium, with Los Angeles entering at 1-1 and the Rams at 2-0. But the real deadline is only a few days away: teams must finalize their 53-man rosters on August 30, making Thursday the last meaningful audition for players still fighting for a job.

For the Chargers, there is also a chance to give the first-team offense a brief tune-up. Justin Herbert is expected to start and play roughly six to nine snaps, according to reporting ahead of the finale, after seeing only two passes in the 41-17 loss to San Francisco.

The more intriguing evaluation, however, comes on the offensive line: Tyler Biadasz is out for the season with an ACL injury, leaving rookie second-round pick Jake Slaughter to take over at center.

The Rams have a different question to solve. Matthew Stafford‘s starting job is not in doubt, but his backup is. Rookie first-round pick Ty Simpson is guaranteed to play Thursday, while Sean McVay has yet to decide whether Stetson Bennett IV will also see the field.

That competition could have a direct impact on the final quarterback room, with McVay still weighing which player should sit behind Stafford when the regular season begins.

What time is the Chargers vs Rams match?

The Chargers vs Rams match kicks off on Thursday, August 27, at 10:00 PM ET. The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, with the Chargers listed as the home team.

• Eastern Time: 10:00 PM
• Central Time: 9:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 7:00 PM

For instance, Justin Herbert will play between six and nine plays vs Rams. After that, Jim Harbaugh will pull the plug on Herbert and all the starters. Trey Lance is likely to get some reps after that.

The Chargers have used their starters to some degree during preseason but clearly on limited snaps. For this game, though, veterans Khalil Mack and Derwin James won’t suit up at all.

Who will be the QB for the Rams vs Chargers?

The LA Rams take a whole different approach in preseason. Head coach Sean McVay evaluates his starters in joint practices, not in preseason. However, an interesting QB battle might ensue, but for the Matthew Stafford backups.

Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson are battling it out for the QB2 role of the team and both have had strong showings during preseason. Hence, both Bennett and Simpson will play vs. Chargers to earn that backup role.

Both Chargers and Rams have high expectations

The Chargers are one of the best teams in the AFC. They have elite coaching staff, alongside elite talent and a top-tier signal-caller in Justin Herbert. Hence, the pressure is on them to finally deliver on expectations.

As for the Rams, they look destined to win it all. In fact, not winning the Super Bowl could be labeled as a tragedy for a team that is from top to bottom, the best roster in the NFL.

How to watch Chargers vs 49ers in the USA

The San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers preseason game will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network. For viewers who prefer to stream the game, NFL+ and Fubo are available options.

Can I watch Chargers vs 49ers for free?

Eligible new Fubo subscribers can watch Chargers vs. 49ers through the 5-day free trial. The platform’s current U.S. plans show a five-day trial, although eligibility and plan availability can vary.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL Preseason, but Thursday’s game carries more weight than a typical exhibition matchup. The teams held a joint practice on Tuesday, giving their projected starters an early test against each other’s schemes before facing off at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers will also face the 49ers during the regular season, adding another layer to the matchup.

For Los Angeles, Justin Herbert and the healthy starters are expected to see at least one series, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh. That makes the game an important opportunity to evaluate Herbert and the first-team offense after the Chargers opened the preseason without several key starters. Harbaugh said the starters will play one series before the backups take over, although the situation could change following Tuesday’s joint practice.

The biggest concern for the Chargers heading into Thursday is center Tyler Biadasz‘s left-leg injury. The veteran was carted off during the joint practice after a collision with 49ers defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez, and the severity of the injury was not immediately known. Biadasz signed a three-year, $30 million contract in March to become Los Angeles’ starting center, so his status could have a significant impact on the offensive line.

San Francisco also has plenty to evaluate. Brock Purdy and several other starters could see action, while Christian McCaffrey‘s availability remains a key storyline after the running back dealt with muscle tightness.

The 49ers are also monitoring Mike Evans, who left Tuesday’s practice early with what Kyle Shanahan described as tightness. Meanwhile, the competition at left guard remains unsettled, giving the preseason game another opportunity for players to make their case.

What time is the Chargers vs 49ers match?

The Chargers vs. 49ers game kicks off Thursday, August 20, at 10:00 PM ET. For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

• Eastern Time: 10:00 PM
• Central Time: 9:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 7:00 PM

Justin Herbert has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, but the Chargers have struggled to turn his individual brilliance into sustained playoff success. Now, head coach Jim Harbaugh has made an aggressive effort to change that, bringing in Mike McDaniel as the team’s new offensive coordinator in an attempt to unlock another level from Herbert and that unit.

But injuries have repeatedly complicated Herbert’s path throughout his career, and the latest setback could be especially damaging. The Chargers have now lost another key piece of their offensive line, creating an immediate problem for Justin Herbert and McDaniel as they prepare for a season in which expectations are higher than ever.

What’s Tyler Biadasz injury update?

Chargers center Tyler Biadasz is expected to miss the season after suffering significant damage to his left knee during Tuesday’s joint practice against the San Francisco 49ers.

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported more details: “Chargers center Tyler Biadasz is out indefinitely after suffering damage to his ACL and additional injuries to his left knee during Tuesday’s joint practice against the 49ers, per Ian Rapoport and me. Biadasz will meet with more doctors to try to get more clarity.”

The injury is a devastating blow for Los Angeles because Biadasz was expected to be an important part of the offensive line protecting Herbert. Losing a starting center can have consequences that go beyond replacing one player, particularly when a new offensive system is being installed.

McDaniel’s arrival was supposed to bring a fresh identity to the Chargers’ offense. Now, the coaching staff must adjust its plans while trying to make sure Herbert has enough protection to operate that system effectively.

Why Tyler Biadasz injury is a major problem for Justin Herbert

The Chargers know all too well how damaging offensive-line injuries can be. Last season, Los Angeles lost star left tackle Rashawn Slater, and the absence of such an important blocker created problems throughout the 2025 campaign.

They were hoping to avoid another situation in which injuries to the offensive line could derail their aspirations. Instead, Biadasz is now facing a significant knee injury just as the Chargers prepare for another season with championship expectations.

For Herbert, the timing could not be worse. The quarterback has everything needed to lead a Super Bowl contender, but his ability to stay upright and operate consistently will depend heavily on the players in front of him. McDaniel now has to design an offense that maximizes Herbert’s strengths while accounting for another major change up front.

Can the Chargers overcome another major offensive-line injury?

The Chargers still have time to find a solution, and the full extent of Biadasz’s injury will become clearer after he receives additional medical evaluations. But the pressure is already increasing in Los Angeles.

Herbert is entering another season in which the expectation is to make a deep playoff run, while Harbaugh and McDaniel have made major changes specifically to help the team reach that level.

Losing Biadasz does not automatically end those hopes, but it removes an important piece from the equation. The Chargers have spent years searching for the formula that can finally turn Herbert’s talent into postseason success. Now, once again, injuries could become one of the biggest obstacles standing between Los Angeles and all Super Bowl ambitions.