KC Chiefs vs. LA Chargers Week 7 Injuries and Inactives: Who's In, Who's Out?

Kansas City has made the final call on whether Jaylen Watson and others will play in Week 7 against the Chargers.

Following a bit of extra time off after their Week 6 win over the Denver Broncos, the Kansas City Chiefs are once again hosting an AFC West opponent. On Sunday, it's the Los Angeles Chargers that come to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for an afternoon matchup.

The recent series between these two clubs has been highly entertaining, with Andy Reid and Brandon Staley's teams going toe-to-toe several different times. Quarterback battles don't get much better than Patrick Mahomes versus Justin Herbert, either. Given that, as well as how much is riding on this game, this is a must-watch outing on the Week 7 slate.

Injuries could impact the action, especially after multiple players were ruled out on Friday afternoon. Some final decisions have also been made on questionable players, providing a clearer picture of who is available for Sunday afternoon's game. The Chiefs are in mostly good shape, whereas Los Angeles has a mixed bag of news.

With that in mind, ahead of their matchup back at home, the Chiefs' list of inactive players has been released. Here's who won't suit up for Kansas City:

• DE BJ Thompson
• OL Mike Caliendo
• WR Justin Watson
• DT Neil Farrell
• DE Malik Herring

During the week, the Chiefs ruled out wide receiver Justin Watson. The veteran is dealing with an elbow contusion and didn't practice at all, prompting his "out" designation on Friday. The only other player with his status being monitored was cornerback Jaylen Watson, who didn't appear on the team's official injury report until late on Friday when he got hit in the thigh and was listed as a limited participant in practice. Despite carrying a questionable designation into Sunday's game, Watson is active in Week 7.

Elsewhere for Kansas City, wideout Mecole Hardman and defensive end Charles Omenihu will make their 2023 season debuts for the team. Hardman was recently acquired in a trade with the New York Jets, and Omenihu came off the reserve/suspended list after he missed the first six games of the year. 

Andy Reid Discusses Return of 'Fearless' Mecole Hardman, Sunday Status

The Chargers' inactives have also been released:

• DB Mark Webb Jr. 
• S Alohi Gilman
• CB Deane Leonard
• RB Elijah Dotson
• OL Zack Bailey
• TE Tre' McKitty
• DL Christopher Hinton

On Friday, Los Angeles ruled out three players: safety Alohi Gilman, cornerback Deane Leonard and wide receiver Jalen Guyton. Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga and safety Derwin James were questionable with respective hamstring and ankle injuries, with the latter being a very notable game-time decision. Even after the ankle gave him a bit of trouble and limited him in practice during the week, James is active against the Chiefs and will give the Chargers' defense a boost.

Read More: Insider Gives Telling Report on Current State of Chiefs’ Offense