The Los Angeles Chargers have been snakebitten when it comes to injuries. In the last three years, they've placed a ridiculous 31 players on injured reserve. Luckily, defensive end Melvin Ingram won't be one of those players this week.
Despite suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4, Ingram himself aims to suit up for his Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos, according to Gilbert Manzano.
Anthony Lynn was asked about Melvin Ingram reportedly missing a couple weeks because of the hamstring injury: "No one told Melvin Ingram that because he’s in my ear every day, telling me how he wants to play this weekend. So we’re taking day by day."
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) October 2, 2019
Although it could be taken as a good sign, players are notoriously stubborn when it comes to their own injuries. Coach Lynn may end up holding him out for this week, as hamstrings are always a tricky injury. It would be a complete disaster if Ingram was allowed to play and suffered a worse injury, as the former South Carolina Gamecock is a crucial part of the Chargers defense.
Ingram combines with defensive end Joey Bosa to form one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL. Both of them help disguise what is something of a suspect secondary.
While the Chargers are a strong defensive team on paper, a deeper dive reveals their weaknesses. Cornerback Casey Hayward is easily Los Angeles's best outside corner, with his counterpart, Michael Davis, being less than impressive. Slot cornerback Desmond King is a great player, but he can't mask the shortcomings of the Chargers' safeties. Rayshawn Jenkins and Roderic Teamer are the starters, and both have never been in a starting role before.
In order for the Los Angeles defense to succeed, the pass rush has to be there. If Melvin Ingram doesn't play, defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will have a much tougher task on his hands when the Broncos come to town.
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