Chargers Have Returned to Practice After 0-2 Start
Los Angeles looks to fix offensive struggles before facing the Buffalo Bills this coming Sunday.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Football
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The Los Angeles Chargers returned to the practice field in El Segundo following an 0-2 start to the season. The team lost both of their opening games to the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders by identical 26-14 scores.
Why it matters
The team aims to increase work intensity to address recent performance struggles while maintaining their current offensive scheme. Falling to an 0-3 start would put the squad in a significant hole relative to historical league trends.
The team has failed to score more than two touchdowns in five consecutive games, with Herbert averaging 200 passing yards per game this season compared to his 260 career average. A total of 123 NFL teams have started a season with an 0-3 record historically.
The players
Justin Herbert
He is the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers who was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Mike McDaniel
He serves as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers and is responsible for managing the team's offensive game plans.
David Njoku
He is a tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers who was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury.
Hayden Rucci
He is a tight end recently signed to the active roster to provide depth following injuries.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
He is a wide receiver signed to the team's 53-man roster to help bolster the offensive unit.
The details
The Chargers placed tight end David Njoku on injured reserve following a knee injury suffered against the Raiders. To address the roster vacancy, the team signed tight end Hayden Rucci and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the 53-man roster.
Timeline
Justin Herbert was drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2020.
The Herbert-McDaniel union was established in January 2026.
David Njoku suffered a knee injury against the Raiders on the Sunday prior to September 23.
The Chargers returned to the practice field on Wednesday, September 23.
The team is scheduled to play the Buffalo Bills this upcoming Sunday.
Season Trajectory
The Chargers currently face a critical juncture as they attempt to avoid an 0-3 start, a milestone reached by 123 NFL teams historically. Failing to secure a win against the Buffalo Bills could significantly diminish the team's playoff positioning and division standing.
The signing of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Hayden Rucci indicates a direct shift in the team's personnel rotation for Sunday's game against Buffalo. With Herbert's current completion percentage down from his career average, fantasy managers and fans should expect a heavy reliance on the new additions to the 53-man roster.
The takeaway
The Chargers must improve their red-zone efficiency to break their five-game streak of scoring two or fewer touchdowns. Addressing these offensive bottlenecks is essential for the team to remain competitive in their upcoming matchup against the Bills.
What happens next
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is scheduled to speak with reporters on Thursday, September 24.
Further reading
For more updates on the team's progress, visit the Los Angeles Football section.
Live Poll
Should a sports team overhaul its strategy after a winless start to the season?
