Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Los Angeles is also without linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) and cornerback Cam Hart (ankle) for the second straight season, while safety Alohi Gilman (hamstring) is also out. That puts a combination of Troy Dye and Nick Niemann in the starting lineup at linebacker, Tarheeb Still at corner and Elijah Molden at safety, which is not the case appear everything is so bad. Still and Molden at least contributed all season.
But Gilman's absence raises a crucial question: Who will be the third safety when the Chargers submit dime packages? Los Angeles has often put Gilman, Molden and Derwin James on the field at the same time this season. However, the next safety on the depth chart is Marcus Maye (who was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins on Wednesday) or Tony Jefferson, who must be removed from the practice squad. At cornerback, Deane Leonard would be the only healthy replacement for the Chargers; Shaun Wade or Dicaprio Bootle would have to be called up from the training squad to serve as the fifth cornerback.