The San Diego Chargers are getting two healthy offensive threats back onto the field while they might be losing another. So far through four games, the Chargers are looking like a real threat in the league as Philip Rivers is thriving to start the season. However, injuries could be a threat to that as the team is dealing with a lengthy injury report heading into Week 5. While Antonio Gates is back and Malcom Floyd returned to practice, Stevie Johnson remains out.
According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Floyd was back at practice after dealing with a concussion in the game against the Cleveland Browns. Floyd was a full participant in practice on Thursday and is expected to get cleared to play in Week 5. That is good news for the Chargers as Johnson remains out. The receiver is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered in the game against the Browns as well. Johnson was not present at practice as his status remains in doubt for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Chargers are getting Gates back from a four-game suspension as he is expected to be an immediate impact player for the offense. Gates told the media that he is motivated by all of the doubt coming out about him. The tight end who is now 35 remains one of the best weapons for Rivers to work with as he intends to keep things that way.
"It was great getting him back," Rivers said, via the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I know he's fired up to be back. He's made the comment how much he missed being here, missed just being around everybody, the camaraderie that comes with it. I know he probably he felt left out those four weeks and hated he couldn't help. But he'll back in there, rolling on Monday."
If Johnson is out, Gates will get a lot more attention. Keenan Allen remains the top threat downfield while Dontrelle Inman could be worked in more as he had a big game against the Chargers. The wide receiver unit will be fine if Johnson cannot play while the run game continues to draw concerns. Melvin Gordon has been the leading rusher for the team, but he has yet to score a touchdown. Danny Woodhead has been in the red zone more. While that is not totally concerning since the Chargers are winning, many wonder when it will end.
"He has all the tools to score a bunch of touchdowns," playcaller Frank Reich said, via the Union Tribune, "and that's what we're hoping for in the coming weeks. It's a long season. He's certainly a talented guy. He's been close to breaking a couple out. You just learn in this business just to be patient and trust what you're doing, and trust the people you are doing it with."
