COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Facing one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, the Los Angeles Chargers will need right tackle Joe Barksdale to help protect quarterback Philip Rivers.
Barksdale did not practice on Friday because of a foot injury and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Barksdale has been dealing with the foot injury since training camp, but has been playing through the pain. If Barksdale can’t play, the Chargers could start sixth-round pick Sam Tevi at right tackle.
The Chargers lost their swing tackle earlier this week when Chris Hairston was placed on the non-football injury list with an undisclosed illness.
Barksdale has been durable since joining the Chargers in free agency three years ago, missing just one start over the last 34 games.
Along with Barksdale, running back Melvin Gordon and middle linebacker Hayes Pullard are listed as questionable for Sunday.
Gordon was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday with a sore knee, while Pullard showed up on the injury report for the first time on Friday with a knee issue.
However, all three are expected to play against the Chiefs, coach Anthony Lynn said.
Rookie receiver Mike Williams was limited all week as he recovers from a lower back disc herniation, while cornerback Jason Verrett did not practice all week.
Both players have been ruled out, but Lynn said Williams is getting closer to his NFL debut.
“Mike’s getting better every single day,” Lynn said. “He’s running full speed, changing direction. Just right now we’re keeping him out of contact. But he’s getting better every practice.”
