The Los Angeles Chargers suffered one of the worst days imaginable on Tuesday as part of their joint-pratice with the San Francisco 49ers. A cruel twist of fate led to the Chargers being hit with three injuries, one of which is devastating for their 2026 campaign. It definitely puts them up in the pantheon for the worst days ever.
We need to discuss the big injury first, because it’s a doozy. Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz, who was signed in free agency to shore up the middle of the offense went down with a left knee injury which will cause him to miss “significant time.” Early reports are that damage was done to one or more ligaments as a result of the injury, and while the Chargers haven’t made a full determination at this time — it’s certainly sounding like Biadasz will miss most, if not all the regular season.
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This is extremely bad for the Chargers. Center has been a consistent problem for the team, with Bradley Bozeman being one of the worst anchors in the NFL last season, necessitating an upgrade. The idea that center is only a minor role on the line has been completely erased in recent years with teams around the league focused heavily on pass rush from interior defensive line positions, with standout DTs being more valuable than EDGE rushers at this point. Biadasz’s injury puts major pressure on their guards, and rookie Jake Slaughter will now be asked to fill a major role immediately.
Next up was wide receiver Quentin Johnston, further accentuating the offensive problems. Johnston suffered a lower-body injury while trying to make a contested catch, landing awkwardly and leaving practice. There has been no official word on his status, which in this case is a good thing now we know the severity of Biadasz’s injury — but it does put his status up in the air for Week 1.
The core of the Chargers’ passing offense has been to use Quentin Johnston as a deep threat receiver to stretch the field, allowing Ladd McConkey to work routes underneath. This is also something that Mike McDaniel likes to do a lot as an offensive coordinator — so losing him for week one is a real problem. This also means teams can bracket McConkey more often, which puts pressure on timing passes at a time where the offensive line is stretched thin.
Rounding things out was Kyle Kennard, who was also forced to limp off the field during practice. Little is known about the status of the second-year linebacker, but Kennard is a depth player the team is trying to develop for the future.
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It’s almost too on the nose to make jokes about the Chargers’ misfortunes while practicing against the injury-riddled 49ers, but that didn’t stop the internet.
Electricity giveth, electricity taketh away.
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