The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for their Week 18 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders with a strong focus on their playoff positioning. With the Cincinnati Bengals' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chargers see an opportunity to advance in the standings. This situation has amplified discussions around resting key starters, but they surprised fans by including offensive tackle Rashawn Slater on the inactive list.
Slater's absence is particularly noteworthy as he was not listed on the injury report earlier in the week. However, he reportedly experienced knee discomfort during pre-game stretches, prompting the Chargers to exercise caution. The team's decision aligns with their strategy to preserve players for the playoffs, especially given the physical nature of the upcoming games.
Other notable inactives include quarterback Easton Stick, running back Gus Edwards, wide receiver Joshua Palmer, linebacker Denzel Perryman, offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, and defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe. While Slater's situation casts a shadow of uncertainty, it's clear the Chargers are prioritizing health as they approach the postseason.
