The Los Angeles Chargers will be without one of their defensive cornerstones this Sunday night as linebacker Khalil Mack is officially ruled out for their Week 11 showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mack, who has been a key figure in the Chargers’ defense since joining the team in 2022, will miss his first game with the team due to a groin injury sustained in the Week 9 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
A Key Loss for the Chargers
Mack injured his groin in the November 3rd game against Cleveland and has not practiced in the past two weeks, although he did play four snaps in last Sunday’s 24-17 win over the Tennessee Titans. His absence marks the first time the 33-year-old has missed a game since he joined the Chargers.
This isn’t the first time Mack has been sidelined with an injury in recent seasons. In 2021, Mack played just seven games with the Chicago Bears due to a nagging foot injury. But this is certainly a blow for a Chargers defense that has relied heavily on Mack’s presence to generate pressure in the pass rush.
Next Man Up: Tuipulotu and Dupree to Step Up
With Mack out, the Chargers’ defensive front will need to step up, and two players primed to take on a bigger role are Tuli Tuipulotu and veteran pass rusher Bud Dupree. Tuipulotu has been an absolute force lately, tallying 5.5 sacks in the past three games alone. The rookie defensive end has proven he can be a game-changer, and now, he’ll likely see even more snaps as the team looks to maintain its strong pass rush. Dupree, a former first-round pick and 7-year NFL veteran, brings a wealth of experience and will be expected to help pick up the slack on the edge.
The Chargers’ pass rush has been sizzling of late, with 18 sacks in their past three games. The unit has found its rhythm, and now, with Mack sidelined, Tuipulotu and Dupree will need to keep that momentum going against a Bengals offense that can still be explosive, even with some of their key players banged up.
Bengals Injury Report: Brown and Rankins Out
For the Bengals, the injury report brings its own set of challenges. Orlando Brown Jr., Cincinnati’s star offensive tackle, will miss his third consecutive game due to knee and leg injuries. Brown, who signed a massive four-year deal with the Bengals in the offseason, has been a key part of their offensive line. His absence could provide the Chargers’ pass rush with a prime opportunity to disrupt quarterback Joe Burrow.
On the defensive side for Cincinnati, Sheldon Rankins, the team’s starting defensive tackle, is also listed as inactive due to an illness. Rankins has been a solid presence in the middle of their defensive line, and his absence leaves a potential hole in the Bengals’ defensive front.
Who’s In and Who’s Out?
Beyond the headline injuries, both teams have a number of players who will miss this game. For the Chargers, the list includes quarterback Easton Stick, wide receiver DJ Chark, running back Kimani Vidal, offensive linemen Brenden Jaimes and Jordan McFadden, and tight end Hayden Hurst. None of these players are considered key starters, but their absence could still impact depth and special teams contributions.
On the Bengals’ side, the team will be without wide receivers Charlie Jones and Isaiah Williams, safety Daijahn Anthony, linebacker Joe Bachie, and tight end Manner McLachlan.
What Does This Mean for Sunday Night?
The Chargers have been trending upward on defense, but without Mack, their defense will face a tougher test, especially against a Bengals offense that, despite its struggles this season, still features one of the league’s top quarterbacks in Joe Burrow. With Brown sidelined, Mack’s absence could give the Chargers’ pass rush a better shot at disrupting Burrow’s rhythm.
For the Bengals, the loss of Brown is a significant blow, but they’ve been able to weather injuries along the offensive line before. The key will be whether Burrow, who’s been dealing with his own injury issues this year, can overcome a tough Chargers defense and put his team in a position to win.
Conclusion
While Khalil Mack’s injury is a significant setback for the Chargers’ defense, it’s not the end of their pass-rushing dominance. With Tuli Tuipulotu emerging as a star and Bud Dupree ready to step into a larger role, the Chargers will hope to continue their impressive run of form. On the other side, the Bengals’ injuries on the offensive line and in the secondary could give the Chargers defense the edge they need to keep their playoff hopes alive.
This Sunday night’s game has the makings of a tightly contested battle, with both teams dealing with key injuries but still possessing plenty of firepower. Look for both defenses to be tested, and for the Chargers’ pass rush to be one of the key storylines as the game unfolds.
