The Los Angeles Chargers have lost two in a row after a promising 3-0 start while the Miami Dolphins lost any momentum they had from a Monday Night Football win over the Jets last Sunday following a disappointing loss at Carolina.
Both sides will try to get back on track when they clash on Sunday afternoon in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The Chargers (3-2) watched a 10-0 first-quarter lead slip away in what resulted in a 27-10 loss at home against the Washington Commanders.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins (1-4) let a 17-0 first-half lead evaporate before losing 27-24 to the Panthers.
While Miami’s season appears to be fading away following its latest setback, the Chargers still have time to turn their fortunes around if they can snap their two-game skid.
Los Angeles continues to deal with injuries to key players, including starting running back Omarion Hampton, who was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury on Monday. It will keep him sidelined for at least the next four games.
Without Hampton, the Chargers will turn to running backs Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal to pick up the slack. The Chargers also signed veteran Nyheim Hines to their practice squad.
It might not matter much if Los Angeles can’t shore up an offensive line ravaged by injuries after losing tackles Rashawn Slater, who is out for the season with a torn patellar tendon, and Joe Alt (high ankle sprain), who missed the team’s Week 5 matchup.
Pass protection problems compounded the Chargers’ issues last week. Justin Herbert was sacked four times by Washington and has taken 16 sacks for the season, which is tied for third-most in the NFL.
Costly penalties negating key first downs was another issue in last week’s loss.
“We’re good enough to overcome some [mistakes], but you need to minimize them,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “That’s an area that we need to get better at.”
The Dolphins lost Tyreek Hill two weeks ago to a season-ending knee injury, but their passing game had one of its best performances of the season against the Panthers.
Tua Tagovailoa, limited in practice Wednesday with thumb and hip issues, threw for 256 yards and three touchdown passes without an interception against the Panthers. He seemed to revive the connection with receiver Jaylen Waddle, who caught a season-high six passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Darren Waller, who sat out Wednesday’s practice to rest, continued to shine in his second start of the season, catching five passes for 78 yards and a touchdown.
The Dolphins’ rushing game was virtually non-existent in Week 5 with just 19 yards on the ground.
Miami also couldn’t slow down Carolina’s ground attack, led by Rico Dowdle, who ran for a career-high 206 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Wednesday that his team can’t take the Chargers’ depleted backfield or weakened offensive line lightly just because less experienced running backs will likely be handling the ball.
“Any given week, if you take any foot off the gas, any guy whether you know him or not — I’m not sure if you knew who No. 5 was last week, regardless, you have to tackle him,” McDaniel said. “That will be our focus. There’s always talented runners on each team or they wouldn’t be there. They will stress us and we will see if we’re ready for them, or they’ll introduce themselves to us in the way we don’t want.”
The Dolphins placed cornerback Cornell Armstrong (hamstring) on IR, and signed safety Jordan Colbert to their active roster and Kendall Sheffield to their practice squad.
Linebacker Tyrel Dodson (concussion) did not practice Wednesday while offensive linemen Lary Borom (thumb), Aaron Brewer (pectoral), defensive back Elijah Campbell (quad), cornerback Storm Duck (ankle) and receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (knee) were limited.
For the Chargers, receiver Keenan Allen took a veteran rest day while Alt (ankle), receiver Derius Davis (knee), linebacker Bud Dupree (hamstring), defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (groin), guard Trey Pipkins III (knee) and defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor (illness) did not practice. Guard Mekhi Becton (hand), receiver Quentin Johnston (hamstring), linebacker Denzel Perryman (ankle) and offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer (knee) were limited.
