Chargers place center Mike Pouncey on injured reserve

The Los Angeles Chargers have struggled with injuries for years now, and the situation is not getting any better. Center Mike Pouncey suffered a neck injury in Week 5, and the team has placed him on injured reserve. Pouncey suffered the injury midway through the loss to Denver, missing the final 28 snaps. He joins left tackle Russell Okung as Chargers starting linemen unavailable in Week 6.

Fantasy football analysis

This does not bode well for Philip Rivers. He can remain productive, but Pouncey makes life a little more difficult. The pass protection has already been problematic, and this makes it that much worse. If Rivers is not getting much time to pass, Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler will be that much busier. Both are worth a start, and Ekeler’s primary role in the passing game could actually make him more valuable.

Gambling analysis

This might result in a little bit of sharp money, but given the Chargers existing struggles in pass protection, it likely won’t change the line much. The Chargers opened as a six point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, and currently sits at 6.5. There is some value to be had in Pittsburgh, even with their questions at quarterback.

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