The Los Angeles Chargers drafted quite a 2024 rookie class under first-year general manager Joe Hortiz, but most of those selections have yet to significantly contribute. The Chargers opted to be aggressive post-draft and after the preseason and signed or traded for veterans who would play ahead of several of their younger players. Now, with several injuries heading into an AFC West clash with the Denver Broncos, the Chargers look to be turning to their rookie class to step up post-bye.
Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey, the team's first two selections, will continue their starting roles as Alt returns from injury. Linebacker Junior Colson, reportedly NaVorro Bowman's LB1 in this past draft class, will rotate in with starters Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley as he returns from his injury.
The newer names to keep an eye on: Slot corner Tarheeb Still, outside corner Cam Hart, and running back Kimani Vidal.
Still was active for the first time last game, playing 42 snaps as a starter while Ja'Sir Taylor dealt with an injury. That same role looks to continue this week, though perhaps Derwin James Jr.'s return reduces his overall defensive snap counts. Hart, the team's second fifth-round selection after Still, may be the starter outside if Deane Leonard cannot go due to a hamstring injury. With Asante Samuel Jr. out with a shoulder injury, both defensive backs are likely to contribute in Denver.
TOUGH spot for Notre Dame CB Cam Hart to be put in. Last line of defense with a ton of green grass around him
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) March 17, 2024
Heck of a job rising to the occasion pic.twitter.com/wQkVSihOvI
Head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated Kimani Vidal would be active for the first time this year, an announcement met with trumpets and fanfare from Chargers fans and fantasy football analysts around the country. Vidal could very well be the team's RB2 behind JK Dobbins, likely contributing on a handful of rushes and working on third down.
The two remaining question marks: Defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe and wide receiver Brenden Rice. Eboigbe was finally active last week and reportedly was set to play a defensive end role with Joey Bosa out, but he ended up playing zero snaps. Bosa is questionable this week and could return after missing time. Rice may be inactive as he was to start the season, as every receiver ahead of him not named DJ Chark (IR) is off the injury report. The seventh-round selection has only played seven special teams snaps the past two weeks and did not log any snaps on offense. Simi Fehoko has not been involved much as a pass catcher, but his tremendous run blocking and work on special teams will keep him ahead of Rice for now. Perhaps things change post-BYE.
