Can the Chargers Depth Chart Survive Another Defensive Setback?
The Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive unit has been dealt another blow with the recent placement of veteran defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand on injured reserve. Hand, who had emerged as a reliable force in the middle of the line, sustained a groin injury that will sideline him for at least four weeks. His absence compounds an already fragile situation for the Chargers, who have struggled to maintain consistency on defense due to a string of injuries across the front seven. With Hand out, the team must once again reshuffle its rotation and rely on less experienced players to fill the void.
Hand’s impact went beyond the stat sheet. His ability to anchor against the run and collapse the pocket on passing downs gave the Chargers a much-needed physical presence inside. Losing him forces the coaching staff to lean more heavily on rotational linemen like Justin Eboigbe and Naquan Jones. While both have flashed potential, neither has proven they can consistently handle starter-level snaps. This raises questions about how well the Chargers can hold up against run-heavy offenses in the coming weeks, especially with matchups looming against teams like the Raiders.
Depth has been a recurring concern for the Chargers, particularly on the defensive line. Injuries to key contributors like Otito Ogbonnia and Khalil Mack earlier in the season already stretched the unit thin. The team’s reliance on mid-season signings and practice squad elevations has created a patchwork interior that lacks cohesion. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will need to get creative with his schemes, possibly leaning more on stunts and blitz packages to compensate for the lack of push up front.
Beyond the defensive line, the ripple effects of Hand’s absence could impact the linebacking corps and secondary. Without a strong interior presence, linebackers may be forced to take on more run-stopping responsibilities, potentially exposing them in coverage. The secondary, already under pressure due to inconsistent pass rush, could see an uptick in explosive plays allowed if quarterbacks are given more time in the pocket. It’s a domino effect that underscores how critical depth and health are to defensive success.
One reinforcement that will help with inconsistency is Odafe Oweh, the former Ravens edge rusher acquired in a midseason trade. Oweh made an immediate impact in his Chargers debut, recording a sack and a tackle for loss against the Dolphins. Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Oweh’s explosiveness and edge-setting ability, even comparing him to Khalil Mack—a lofty compliment for a player only just starting to find his footing in a new system. With Mack sidelined due to an elbow injury, Oweh’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time. His speed and direct pass-rushing style offer a dynamic complement to Tuli Tuipulotu, and if Mack returns soon, the Chargers could suddenly boast one of the most dangerous edge duos in the AFC.
Ultimately, the Chargers’ ability to weather this latest injury will hinge on development and adaptability. Young players must seize the opportunity to prove themselves, and the coaching staff must tailor its approach to maximize the strengths of whoever steps in. With playoff hopes still alive, the margin for error is razor-thin. If the defense can hold the line—literally and figuratively—the Chargers may stay competitive. Yet if the cracks widen, this latest setback could be the tipping point in a season already teetering on the edge.
