The Los Angeles Chargers are facing an acute injury crisis that threatens to derail their Super Bowl aspirations. The team’s recent struggles, including a survival win against the struggling Miami Dolphins, and tough outings against the Giants and Commanders, have exposed the roster’s lack of depth, signaling an unsustainable path for success against tougher competition. Recognizing this immediate threat, multiple league sources confirm the Chargers are planning significant activity before the NFL trade deadline, making them one of the most proactive teams in the league right now.
The Chargers have already been active this season, previously acquiring Odafe Oweh from the Baltimore Ravens to bolster their defensive front. However, injuries continue to devastate key areas, particularly the offensive line and the running back position. This crisis has forced the Chargers’ hand, prompting General Manager Joe Hortiz and the front office to actively make preliminary inquiries for reinforcement at multiple positions.
The first major reports, from Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport, stated that the Chargers were actively seeking running back help via trade, having already called teams to explore options. Names rumored to be available, such as Alvin Kamara (Saints) and Breece Hall (Jets), were mentioned as potential targets to address the backfield crisis. ESPN insider Adam Schefter further confirmed this, specifically naming the Chargers first when asked about the most active teams ahead of the trade deadline, explicitly stating the Chargers are “looking for running back.” Additionally, Josina Anderson added crucial information, posting that the Chargers are still making preliminary inquiries not only at running back but also the tackle position, further confirming the multi-faceted nature of their trade search ahead of the deadline.
The consistency and volume of these reports underscore the urgency within the Chargers organization. Many teams try to play coy around the trade deadline. The Chargers have correctly assessed that now is not the time for cute gamesmanship. They can win a Super Bowl but not if they don’t add some key pieces. Putting all their cards on on the table is a good way to make sure any potential trading partners are aware of the Chargers intentions.
The running back position remains the most likely to be a trade target. Despite Kimani Vidal’s recent 124-yard game, that performance is deemed an “aberration” against the league’s 25th-ranked run defense, and his long-term production (3.6 YPC last season) is not reliable enough for a contender. The Chargers require a steady, proven presence at the position to stabilize the offense. They need a back who can consistently keep the offense balanced and take pressure off Herbert, especially given the difficulties the offensive line has faced.
Inquiries for tackle help are essential due to the injuries to key starters. Adding a serviceable, veteran tackle is critical for maintaining consistency on the offensive line, especially as they enter the most difficult stretch of their schedule. The lack of protection is a direct threat to the team’s ability to win against elite defenses and can derail the entire offensive scheme.
The Chargers’ proactive approach at the trade deadline is a highly commended move, strategically designed to capitalize on a rare competitive window. The NFL trade deadline is generally used to shore up holes that have emerged in a good roster, and the Chargers are using it for precisely this purpose.
The Chargers are looking at their last three narrow victories and realizing that if they play at that same level against upcoming opponents Indianapolis, Minnesota, and Tennessee, they could easily drop two of those three games. This risk is unacceptable for a team with championship aspirations. Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh understand that their performance over the last few weeks is not a sustainable model for conquering the challenging back half of their schedule.
By actively pursuing a veteran running back and a serviceable tackle, the team can stabilize its performance, ensuring they remain on top of the AFC West and secure a favorable playoff seed. The general consensus is that the Chargers will make at least one—and likely two—additional trades. By being proactive and aggressive, the Chargers are demonstrating their commitment to seize a rare, wide-open opportunity in the AFC. The focus is to make key, surgical strikes to bridge the gap until their star players return to full health, maximizing their Super Bowl window in a season where the AFC landscape is unusually vulnerable.
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