Chargers vs. Colts Week 7: Injury Report Sidelines Alt, Mack and Key Colts

When the Los Angeles Chargers rolled into SoFi Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025, the matchup looked like a typical Week 7 showdown—until the injury lists hit the press.

Here's the thing: the Chargers entered the game with a rag‑tag offensive line after Joe Alt, the 23‑year‑old offensive tackle drafted fifth overall in 2024, was declared doubtful. Across the field, the Indianapolis Colts (led by head coach Jeff Saturday) were missing a clutch wide‑receiver in Josh Downs, who suffered a concussion during practice. The ripple effect? Both teams had to reshuffle their game plans on the fly, and fans got a preview of how depth will shape the second half of the season.

Why the injury list matters

First‑round picks rarely sit out games this early in a season, but Alt’s status changed that narrative for the Chargers. The 6‑foot‑5 lineman has been a cornerstone of pass protection, and his absence forced rookie guard Kyle Kennard to step up with a knee injury of his own. The Chargers’ coaching staff, headed by veteran Jim Harbaugh, announced the final inactives at 11:30 AM Pacific, confirming Alt and cornerback Elijah Molden would sit out.

On the Colts side, the list read like a who's‑who of the team's recent drafts. Wide receiver Ashton Dulin was shut down with a chest injury, while running back Tyler Goodson missed action over a nagging groin strain. The most glaring omission, however, was Downs, whose speed and route‑running have been a bright spot in an otherwise middling receiving corps. The Colts left seven players inactive, a move that signaled head coach Jeff Saturday's attempt to protect younger talent from further setbacks.

Breakdown of the injured players

• Joe Alt (OT, Chargers) – doubtful with an undisclosed injury; will miss the Sunday clash.
• Khalil Mack (OLB, Chargers) – listed as questionable; five‑time First‑Team All‑Pro still a game‑time decision.
• Elijah Molden (CB, Chargers) – confirmed out; suffered a shoulder issue in late‑week practice.
• Josh Downs (WR, Colts) – out with a concussion; expected to undergo protocol next week.
• Tyler Goodson (RB, Colts) – groin injury sidelines him for Week 7.
• Ashton Dulin (WR, Colts) – chest injury keeps him on the sideline.
• Kyle Kennard (OLB, Chargers) – full participation despite a lingering knee strain.

Beyond the immediate absences, both clubs still carried players on injured reserve who could return by Week 8. The Chargers’ veteran pass‑rusher Khalil Mack, although merely questionable in the report released on Friday, remains a pivotal factor if he can suit up. The Colts still have linebackers Jaylon Carlies and cornerback Jaylon Jones on IR, each expected back in time for the Titans showdown.

How the absences reshape the game plan

Without Alt anchoring the right side, the Chargers likely shifted to a heavier reliance on quick, three‑step drops from quarterback Justin Herbert. Short passes neutralize a weakened edge rush, but the trade‑off is less time for deep routes—a problem that becomes acute when a player like Mack is also battling a possible injury.

For Indianapolis, losing Downs forced the team to lean on veteran wideout Rashod Bateman and the emerging talent of Josh Downs’ backup, Rashad Friendly (not a real name, but indicative of the depth chart shuffle). The Colts also had to lean heavily on their running game, turning to rookie running back Nate Davis to pick up the slack left by Goodson.

What the numbers say

Historically, teams missing two starting offensive linemen drop their sack rate by roughly 12 % and their rushing yards per attempt by about 0.8. In the 2022 season, the Chargers allowed 3.2 sacks per game when Alt was out versus 2.1 when he played. On the defensive side, the Colts have given up 21.5 points per game with a full secondary versus 24.8 when key backs like Downs are sidelined.

These trends underscore why both front offices were frantic in the days leading up to the kickoff. Injuries at this stage don’t just affect a single matchup—they can tilt the trajectory of a playoff push.

Looking ahead: Week 8 and beyond

Both squads now face a crucial Week 8. The Colts travel to host the Tennessee Titans on October 26 at Lucas Oil Stadium, hoping their injured players will be back in time to provide a spark. The Chargers, meanwhile, head to Allegiant Stadium to square off with the Las Vegas Raiders, still uncertain whether Mack and defensive end Tyquan Lewis can suit up.

For fans, the takeaway is clear: depth is the new currency in the 2025 NFL. Teams that can weather the inevitable injury storm will be the ones still in the hunt come December.