LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh delivered a string of sobering injury updates Monday in the wake of Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks, with left tackle Rashawn Slater sustaining a high ankle sprain and emerging as a candidate for injured reserve. The 0-4 Chargers host the Denver Broncos (2-2) on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
Harbaugh said Slater is a candidate for IR after the high ankle sprain, while right tackle Joe Alt (neck) is still being evaluated but is less likely to be placed on IR. Offensive lineman Trevor Penning is in concussion protocol, safety Derwin James Jr. (hamstring) is week-to-week but expected to stay off IR, and cornerback Donte Jackson (hamstring) is also week-to-week. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who has already fought through a cracked rib this season, is day-to-day with a foot injury. "Next man up," Harbaugh said. "Putting the plan together and treating it like it's a one-game season. That's what we're doing."
Harbaugh added that guard Kayode Awosika (fibula), wideout Brenen Thompson (quad), defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (hamstring) and tight end Charlie Kolar are "all making good progress" in their recoveries. Offensive lineman Branson Taylor and fullback/defensive lineman Scott Matlock, who were placed on injured reserve for undisclosed reasons before Week 1, have a "good chance" to open their practice windows this week.
Linebacker Denzel Perryman (undisclosed) isn't "quite there yet," Harbaugh said, as Los Angeles tries to stabilize a depleted roster. The Chargers have dropped to 0-4 and now face a quick turnaround against a 2-2 Denver team at home.