The Los Angeles Chargers are looking like one of the NFL's hottest teams through two weeks. Los Angeles put up a pair of dominant defensive performances against Kansas City and Las Vegas to start the season. Thankfully the Chargers just got some positive injury news related to one of their best pass rushers.
Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack did not suffer a season-ending elbow injury on Monday Night Football, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
Mack is expected to return in a few weeks for the Chargers.
This is great news for LA's stellar defense that is ascending in year two under Jim Harbaugh and DC Jesse Minter.
Mack revitalized his career in LA, logging a whopping 17 sacks back in 2023. He's fit in well with Minter's new defensive scheme, contributing as a pass rusher and run defender.
The Chargers will lean on depth players Bud Dupree and Kyle Kennard while Mack recovers from his elbow injury.
Chargers' defense earns “suffocating” evaluation from NFL insider
Monday Night Football was a statement game for the Chargers' defense.
They completely shut down Geno Smith and the Raiders offense, forcing three interceptions and not allowing a touchdown. And now they are earning some well-deserved praise.
ESPN's Dan Orlovsky used words like “stifling” and “suffocating” to describe LA's new-look defense.
“I think the word stifling is good, Mina, I'd also say suffocating,” Orlovsky said. “The odd thing is, it's a zone defense. There are two real kinds of zone defenses. One zone defense means that the defender gets to a certain spot, covering that spot and having eyes on the quarterback. They play a zone defense that I would say is playing concepts rather than coverage. They don't really drop to spots; they match routes.”
The Chargers also made NFL history with their big performance. They became the first defense on record to log 15 passes defensed, six tackles for loss, and three turnovers while also allowing zero touchdowns.
Los Angeles could be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC if their defense maintains this dominant level of play.
Next up for the Chargers is a Week 3 game against the Broncos, who also have one of the league's best defenses.
LA has a chance to star the season with victories against all three AFC West rivals with a Week 3 win.
