The Chargers head into Week 7 with a 3-2 record and entirely in the thick of the AFC playoff picture. It was a huge divisional victory against the Broncos as Jim Harbaugh’s squad was able to control the game in the trenches.
A few more injuries stacked up, but it was still a successful weekend for Los Angeles. Check out what Chargers players either improved or hurt their stock in Week.
Stock up: OL Zion Johnson
Johnson has really put things together in his third year in the NFL. That continued in Week 6 against the Broncos, as he was one of the Chargers’ best performers on the field. Johnson has been one of the best guards in the NFL this season, particularly in the run game. He’s one of two Chargers who played 100% of the team’s snaps in 2024. Johnson figures to be a key cog in the future of this evolving offensive line.
Stock down: CB Asante Samuel Jr.
After a superb 2023 campaign, Samuel hasn’t been nearly as good this season. Thankfully, other cornerbacks like Kristian Fulton have stepped up big, and the Chargers will need more of that. Samuel was placed on the IR after the team’s victory over the Broncos. The fourth-year corner has been dealing with a shoulder injury all year, so hopefully, this IR stint will freshen him for the second half of Los Angeles’ schedule.
Stock up: RB Kimani Vidal
Make plays and you’ll earn yourself playing time. That’s just what Vidal did against the Broncos. Heading into Week 6, the rookie tailback had yet to appear in an NFL game. Gus Edwards’ injury forced the Chargers to use Vidal, and he passed with flying colors. The rookie sixth-rounder finished with 51 yards from scrimmage, including a 38-yard receiving touchdown in the first quarter. Vidal may have just won himself the backup running back role behind J.K. Dobbins.
Stock down: RB Gus Edwards
Unfortunately, the veteran appears in this category once again. He’s seen his snaps dwindle as the season has passed, and now he’s been placed on the IR with an ankle injury. With guys like Vidal stepping up, it may be hard for Edwards to see the field if/when he returns from injury later this season.
Stock up: CB Elijah Molden
Molden was all over the field in Sunday’s victory. He’s just the latest example of Jesse Minter’s and the defense’s depth on this squad. With the injury to Samuel, he will be asked to step up in a big way over the next month. In Week 6, Molden finished with four tackles, a pass deflection, and a huge interception on the game’s first drive.
