NFL Rookie Watch: Week 2 slew of injuries rattle the depth charts

Week 2 Injuries: Nick Bosa, Solomon Thomas & Jimmy Garroppolo

With possibly the most impactful injuries of the week two onslaught, San Francisco lost two of their essential defensive linemen as well as their starting franchise quarterback. The weight of success has been on the shoulders of their defense since last seasons super bowl run, and that responsibility has only grown.

Now instead of that weight being spread across a collection of talent, injuries in the Bay have put that pressure squarely on rookie interior rusher Javon Kinlaw.

The pseudo-replacement for traded defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, Kinlaw already held high expectations for a fellow physical specimen and interior penetrator. Now with complementing pass-rushers Solomon Thomas and Nick Bosa both gone to ACL tears, pressure generation is going to be up to Kinlaw and Arik Armstead.

Even before week two, cornerback Jason Verrett has had his own share of issues as well as the IR bound Richard Sherman and exterior pass-rusher Dee Ford experiencing neck issues. San Francisco’s depth is going to be tested if they are to establish themselves as NFC favorites yet again.

Los Angeles Chargers

Week 2 Injury: Tyrod Taylor

After questions mounted surrounding his impending arrival to the NFL, Justin Herbert managed to make his debut in week two due to an injury to starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Herbert was touted as the best arm talent in the draft with questions surrounding his ability to elevate to the speed of the NFL.

Herbert looked comfortable and confident in a West-Coast scheme involving a large share of screens and backfield motion. Much of the criticism from his pre-draft reports revolved around the fact that he looked ‘stiff’ in the pocket and had his share of missed reads.

Oregon ran a downfield offense that has always been built on chunk plays and speed. Although Herbert has the arm talent to complete such an offense, he showed to be a viable game manager and utilized the talent around him to its capabilities.

The Chargers managed to scare Kansas City with their three-point overtime loss, but also managed to conjure comparisons to a young Tom Brady-led offense that thrived on the short passing game with motion and run after the catch.

Los Angeles may not have Bill Belichick, but they have dangerous receiving threats and a strong-arm quarterback who can manage the game with efficient passing. That is dangerous.