Chargers Catch Big Injury Break for Week 15 Matchup vs. Bucs

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a heartbreaking road loss on Sunday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs. LA lost 19-17 to the Chiefs, thanks to a game-winning field goal from Kansas City kicker Matthew Wright.

The Chargers have lost two of their last three games but will need to rebound quickly. In Week 15, Los Angeles will invite the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to So-Fi Stadium. The Bucs won’t be an easy matchup for the Chargers as Tampa Bay is leading the NFC South.

The Buccaneers have one of the best scoring offenses in the league (27.9 points per game) and don’t give up many rushing yards on the road (95.2 yards per game). That’s not good news for Los Angeles’ ground attack, which has struggled without J.K. Dobbins.

However, the Buccaneers are dealing with a major injury in the secondary, which could impact Los Angeles’ passing game. 

According to Ari Meirov, Tampa Bay standout safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is expected to miss a few weeks with a knee sprain he suffered in Sunday’s win against the Las Vegas Raiders. This is a huge loss for Winfield, who is a do-it-all safety.

This season, Winfield has produced 60 combined tackles, four quarterback hits, three pass deflections, two tackles for loss, two sacks, and a defensive touchdown.

Without Winfield patrolling the secondary next week, it would be smart for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to challenge the Buccaneers’ passing defense. 

Tampa Bay is giving up 253.4 passing yards per game (third-worst in the league) and 290.2 on the road (second-worst) this season.

Los Angeles will hope to have rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey back on the field, who missed Sunday night’s game with knee and shoulder injuries. The Chargers passing offense hasn't been great this season, averaging 198.1 yards per game (25th in the NFL).

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