The Los Angeles Chargers are placing star linebacker Khalil Mack on injured reserve due to a dislocated left elbow and he must miss at least four weeks, coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday afternoon.
“He’s going to miss some time … (but) he’s like the Wolverine,” Harbaugh said in referencing the self-healing powers of the fictional character of Marvel comic books and movies. “The rules say four weeks, but we’ll see.”
Mack was hurt on the final play of the first quarter of the 20-9 win over host Loas Vegas on Monday night. Mack’s arm got momentarily stuck against the body of teammate Troy Dye as both players were in pursuit of Raiders wideout Tre Tucker. Mack had his left arm twist awkwardly, and he immediately scurried to the sideline.
He was initially looked at in the medical tent and came out and appeared to be in intense pain. He then was taken from the field. He was ruled out by the Chargers just after he returned to the sideline during the two-minute warning of the first half with his left arm heavily wrapped and sporting a sling.
“He’s a great player, it’s one of the toughest things I’ve ever seen,” Harbaugh said of the injury. “I was staring right at it; he wasn’t going to go sit on the field or lay down on the field.
Mack, 34, recorded a sack of Las Vegas quarterback Geno Smith in the opening quarter. It was his first of the season and raised his career count to 108.5.
The nine-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro spent his first four NFL seasons with the then-Oakland Raiders (2014-17) and also played four seasons with the Chicago Bears (2018-21). He is in his fourth season with the Chargers.
The Chargers also start Tuli Tuipulotu as an edge rusher and could start veteran Bud Dupree in Mack’s place. Caleb Murphy and rookie Kyle Kennard are listed as reserves on the team depth chart.
“Tuli, he played a heck of game. 52 or 54 snaps, six quarterback pressures, TFL, PBUs. He really played well,” Harbaugh said. “Also thought Bud played well and Caleb Murphy played his most snaps of his career, right around 30s, low 30s and affected the game.
“It’ll be an opportunity for Kyle Kennard,” Harbaugh added. “And (defensive lineman) Justin Eboigbe as well. He had 12 plays on the edge, 12 of his 15 plays were out there and he added real good support, too. Opportunity.”
