Chargers' Injury-Plagued 2025 Season a Mixed Bag

Despite multiple key injuries, the Chargers made the playoffs for the second straight year, but failed to meet high expectations.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Chargers' 2025 season was marked by a series of significant injuries to star players like Najee Harris, Rashawn Slater, Khalil Mack, and Justin Herbert. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to win 11 games and make the playoffs for the second consecutive year. However, their season ended with a wild-card loss to the New England Patriots, leading to changes on the coaching staff, including the firing of offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Why it matters

The Chargers' ability to overcome major injuries and still make the playoffs speaks to the team's resilience and depth. However, their failure to meet high expectations and make a deeper playoff run has led to questions about the team's long-term direction and the development of star quarterback Justin Herbert.

The details

The Chargers' 2025 season was plagued by a series of injuries to key players. Running back Najee Harris suffered a superficial eye injury during a July 4 fireworks accident, while left tackle Rashawn Slater tore his left patella tendon during training camp. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack dislocated his left elbow in a game against the Raiders, and quarterback Justin Herbert fractured his left, non-throwing hand late in the season. Despite these setbacks, the Chargers managed to win 11 games and make the playoffs for the second straight year.

  • On July 4, running back Najee Harris suffered a superficial eye injury in a fireworks accident.
  • On August 7, left tackle Rashawn Slater tore his left patella tendon during a training camp drill.
  • On September 16, outside linebacker Khalil Mack dislocated his left elbow while making a tackle against the Raiders.
  • On November 30, quarterback Justin Herbert fractured his left, non-throwing hand during a game against the Raiders.

The players

Najee Harris

A running back who suffered a superficial eye injury in a July 4 fireworks accident and later sustained a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in Week 3.

Rashawn Slater

The Chargers' left tackle who tore his left patella tendon during a training camp blocking drill, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

Khalil Mack

An outside linebacker who dislocated his left elbow while attempting a tackle in a game against the Raiders, causing him to miss four key early-season games.

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' star quarterback who fractured his left, non-throwing hand during a game against the Raiders, undergoing surgery the next day and wearing a protective device for the rest of the season.

Jim Harbaugh

The Chargers' head coach in his second season, who led the team to an 11-win season and a second consecutive playoff appearance despite the numerous injuries.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know, I haven't figured it out yet. Hasn't happened, so we'll have to re-evaluate and see what happens.”

— Justin Herbert (The Tribune)

“We're both geeked for the future and the possibilities.”

— Mike McDaniel, Chargers' new offensive coordinator (The Tribune)

What’s next

The Chargers are expected to make further changes to their coaching staff, with offensive coordinator Greg Roman already fired and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter departing to become the Baltimore Ravens' head coach. The team has hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to replace Roman, and Chris O'Leary has been promoted to replace Minter as the new defensive coordinator.

The takeaway

The Chargers' 2025 season was a tale of resilience and disappointment. While the team's ability to overcome a rash of injuries and make the playoffs for the second straight year was commendable, their failure to meet high expectations and make a deeper postseason run has led to significant changes within the organization. The development of quarterback Justin Herbert and the team's ability to build a championship-caliber roster will be crucial going forward.