EL SEGUNDO — Through the raindrops Friday morning, the Chargers’ offensive line looked like this: Trevor Penning was stationed at left tackle, Zion Johnson was at left guard, Bradley Bozeman was at center, Mekhi Becton was at right guard and Trey Pipkins III was at right tackle.
If that’s how they line up Sunday against the Jaguars in Jacksonville, then it will mean Penning makes his Chargers debut after they acquired him from the New Orleans Saints before the NFL trade deadline Nov. 4. Penning didn’t play in the Chargers’ victory last Sunday over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Penning would replace Austin Deculus, who started and played all 73 offensive snaps as the Chargers defeated the Steelers, 25-10, for their third consecutive victory and their seventh in 10 games to start the season. Each of the Chargers’ linemen played each of the offensive snaps.
Actually, Deculus could start with Penning playing a backup role for either left or right tackle. Pipkins has battled a nagging knee issue in recent weeks, although he played well against the Steelers and without obvious discomfort. Coach Jim Harbaugh said only that “the best five” would start.
Plus, the Chargers were in no mood to rush Penning onto the field after only three practices last week after the trade from New Orleans. The coaching staff gave him a great deal of information to absorb and the best move was to have him watch instead of play, offensive coordinator Greg Roman said.
“Our players have to digest and understand fully and be able to hear it and then be able to go out and bring it to life,” Roman said. “So, he’s been really diligent, trying to learn a new language, essentially, and learn to play with his new mates, the new guys next to him that he’s got to get used to and communicate with. I’m really impressed so far with what we’ve seen of him.”
VITAL VIDAL AGAIN
For all the concerns about season-ending injuries to tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater and running back Najee Harris, plus another that landed running back Omarion Hampton on injured reserve, the Chargers have managed to run the ball quite effectively recently.
Vidal has started the past five games and topped 90 yards or more three times, including this past Sunday. He rushed for 95 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries against Pittsburgh. He had 117 yards in a victory over the Minnesota Vikings and 124 in a win over the Miami Dolphins.
Overall, Vidal is the Chargers’ leading rusher with 404 yards and two touchdowns on 91 carries in seven games. Hampton, who is their third-leading rusher behind Vidal and quarterback Justin Herbert, is likely due back after the Chargers’ bye in Week 12 from an ankle injury that sent him to IR.
“Like I’ve been saying, he’s playing like a No. 1 back,” Harbaugh said of Vidal. “Not just on our team, but in the NFL. This past game, once again, very good pass protection (by Vidal), very good at running the football, seeing lanes, seeing cuts. He brings a very physical style to his game. Plus, he’s elusive. He can jump a gap. It’s all really good. That’s what I’ve seen. Impressive.”
INJURY REPORT
The Chargers didn’t rule out anyone for the first time since their season-opening game. Tackle Bobby Hart (knee), wide receiver Quentin Johnston (shin), fullback/defensive lineman Scott Matlock (chest), safety Elijah Molden (knee) and cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee) were listed as questionable.
Harbaugh said Molden’s knee issue cropped up after Sunday’s game against the Steelers. Molden also has been dealing with a thumb injury and has been practicing and playing with it heavily bandaged. Hart’s injury opened the possibility that Penning would play Sunday against the Jaguars.