Chargers' Final Injury Report Doesn't Answer All of Broncos' Questions

Which Chargers will be rested on Sunday against the Broncos?

Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) and wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrate after a play during the second quarter a wild card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos have one last regular-season challenge. If they succeed, the Broncos will clinch the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs

The accompanying bye would come as a welcome relief to Denver's banged-up roster that has battled hard through the war of attrition that is the regular season. The Los Angeles Chargers are planning to rest key players in Week 18, including their starting quarterback, but the final injury report didn't provide definitive answers on who'll be rested.

The Chargers still present a clear and present threat to the Broncos' quest for the No. 1 seed.

Let's take a look at both final injury reports and break it down.

Broncos Injury Report

Player	Position	Injury	Game Status
Nate Adkins	TE	Knee
Pat Bryant	WR	Concussion
Ben Powers	OG	Biceps
Karene Reid	LB	Hamstring	Out
John Franklin-Myers	DL	Hip	Questionable
Dre Greenlaw	LB	Hamstring	Out

Analysis

The Broncos aren't taking any chances with Greenlaw, who suffered a hamstring injury in the Broncos' Week 16 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Broncos want Greenlaw full available for the playoffs, and he could be quite a boost to the defense upon his return.

Reid is still technically on injured reserve. The Broncos don't have much time left to decide on whether to activate him, as they started his clock on December 17.

In some good news, both Adkins and Bryant are returning to the field, though how much they'll play remains to be seen. Bryant suffered a scary concussion against the Jaguars that hospitalized him for a few hours, and Bo Nix has missed him.

Keep an eye on Franklin-Myers. With the playoffs coming up, it might be wise to let Eyioma Uwazurike and Sai'vion Jones get some additional reps on defense vs. the Chargers.

Friday's #LACvsDEN injury report:

📰 » https://t.co/SI6gEpz3Nf pic.twitter.com/UVAaHjsBub

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) January 2, 2026

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Chargers Injury Report

Dec 8, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) looks on in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at SoFi Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Player	Position	Injury	Game Status
Keenan Allen	WR	NIR-Rest
Bradley Bozeman	C	Concussion	Questionable
Derius Davis	WR	Ankle
Omarion Hampton	RB	Ankle	Out
Hassan Haskins	RB	Concussion	Questionable
Justin Herbert	QB	Left Hand/NIR-Rest
Derwin James Sr.	S	NIR-Rest
Khalil Mack	OLB	NIR-Rest
RJ Mickens	S	Shoulder	Questionable
Elijah Molden	DB	Hamstring	Doubtful
Nikko Reed	CB	Hamstring	Out
Jamaree Salyer	OL	Hamstring	Doubtful
Benjamin St-Juste	CB	Shoulder	Questionable
Tuli Tuipulotu	OLB	NIR-Rest
Kimani Vidal	RB	Neck	Questionable

Analysis

Now, just because Herbert, Allen, James, Mack, and Tuipulotu don't have a game status doesn't mean they're all playing. The Chargers rested them for most of the week, with limited participation at best. Herbert is genuinely banged up, but he could play if Jim Harbaugh wanted him to.

As you can see, though, the Chargers are the walking wounded, casting Harbaugh's decision into focus. The Chargers were eliminated from first-seed contention, which means this is the best they can do relative to a bye and resting certain players.

full #LACvsDEN game status pic.twitter.com/sq63gCRcxh

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 2, 2026

We don't know for sure that James, Mack, and Tuipulotu won't play, but they aren't expected to. It wouldn't be a complete shock if Harbaugh threw them a few reps against Denver, though.

Allen is expected to play, though. He has some performance milestones within reach that would trigger significant contract bonuses.

Reed and Hampton have been ruled out, while seven other Chargers are listed as either questionable or doubtful. The Broncos still have to approach this opponent with the utmost seriousness, though, as it's still a Harbaugh-led team.

The Broncos have yet to beat the Chargers since Harbaugh became head coach in 2024. Denver is heavily favored at home in this one, but the Broncos could see the Chargers again in the playoffs.