Chargers Shouldn’t Fret After Losing Branden Oliver to Achillies Injury

Typically a major injury to a running back strikes fear into NFL teams, but this time it will not affect the Chargers

San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver left Sunday’s preseason game with an achillies injury. Speculation is that he tore that achillies, effectively ending his season before it even started.

While the undrafted free agent provided a nice change of pace to the Chargers offense, San Diego shouldn’t be overly concerned about losing Oliver.

More from NFL Mocks

• 2024 NFL Mock Draft Journal: Cardinals, Falcons tank for USC QB Caleb Williams
• Patriots News & Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott talks fun in Foxboro; Mills to Packers?
• Fantasy Football: 5 reasons Colts QB Anthony Richardson can be a top-end option
• Packers’ Lukas Van Ness will make a Lambeau leap into the NFL in 2023
• 2024 NFL Draft: Hunter Haas’ Top 50 Big Board

Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead came into Chargers camp as the top two running backs. Gordon, the Chargers first round pick last year, is looking to improve after a tough rookie campaign. He’s got a chip on his shoulder coming off injury, and will play behind a slightly improved offensive line.

Additionally, the Chargers drafted fullback Derek Watt, the younger brother of Houston Texans pass rusher J.J. Watt. The youngest of the Watts will help pave the way for Melvin Gordon this season, as well as spread the field for Phillip Rivers.

Upcoming roster cuts will help the Chargers fill the depth void, although don’t expect them to grab the top names released this week.

Next: Dak Prescott the Real Deal?

San Diego could opt to bring back former first round pick Donald Brown, or perhaps give Bryce Brown a shot. A big name such as Karlos Williams would not make sense for either side, as Williams is capable of starting, and would be buried on the depth chart.

So while losing a playmaker such as Branden Oliver isn’t good at first sight, San Diego can manage with his loss.