Chargers Face Double Injury Blow as David Njoku Carted Off

Injury Trouble for the Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers faced serious injury problems during their Sunday game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Tight end David Njoku had to leave the field in the second quarter on a medical cart. He suffered an injury to his right knee. The Chargers officially listed him as questionable to return.

The injury happened during a running play. Njoku appeared to hurt his knee while blocking for running back Omarion Hampton. The injury looked serious enough that the entire Chargers team came out onto the field to offer him well wishes as he was carted away.

More Injuries and Next Men Up

Njoku was not the only major loss for the Chargers during the game. Star safety Derwin James also had to leave in the first quarter after suffering a hand injury. The team listed James as questionable to return. His absence was felt immediately. While James was off the field, the Chargers defense allowed a 40 yard touchdown pass to Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker.

Losing Njoku is a big blow to the offense. The Chargers signed the tight end to a one year contract in May after he spent his first nine seasons playing for the Cleveland Browns. Before getting injured, Njoku had recorded six receptions for 67 yards over his first two games with the Chargers.

With Njoku out of action, the team will have to rely on tight ends Oronde Gadsden and Charlie Kolar to step up. If Njoku is out for a long time, the team could also promote Patrick Herbert from the practice squad. Patrick Herbert is the brother of Chargers starting quarterback Justin Herbert. This would give the quarterback a familiar target to throw to during games.