After losing a near must-win game against the Denver Broncos, the San Diego Chargers (8-6) are still in the hunt for an AFC Wild Card spot and play in the postseason. However, standing in their way now is a true must-win at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco against a 49ers team who was eliminated last week in their loss against the Seattle Seahawks.
There are going to be a few key players out for this game on both teams. The Chargers injured players who will not play include Wide Receiver Keenan Allen, Running Back Ryan Mathews, and Punter Mike Scifres who is still recovering from clavicle surgery. Allen is suffering from a shoulder injury as well as an ankle injury and Mathews is also suffering from an ankle injury, both injuries keeping these players out of practice during the week. Philip Rivers was held out of practice on Wednesday as were Tight End Ladarius Green and Defensive Tackle Corey Liuget, however all were able to return to practice in some capacity. Rivers’ official status for Saturday’s game is probable, while Green and Liuget are questionable.
For the San Francisco 49ers, the players who will not play include Linebacker Chris Borland who has an ankle injury, Corner Back Tramaine Brock who is dealing with a hamstring injury, Running Back Carlos Hyde who is also dealing with an ankle injury, and Wide Receiver Stevie Johnson who has been dealing with a knee injury. Also of interest this week is the drama that comes with the rumors of an impending departure for 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh after the season. It is rumored that the University of Michigan is offering to hire the 49ers Head Coach as their next head coach, though Harbaugh has stated that he wants to see what options would be available to him in the NFL first.
This is going to be an interesting game for sure with plenty of playoff implications. Will the Chargers bounce back from their losses against Denver and New England to get back in the hunt? Or will this be the game that puts the final nail in the coffin for the Chargers' post-season hopes?