New Kids On The Blocks Haven’t Been A Hit For The Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers general manager Tom Telesco was keen in drafting quarterback Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick.

But when picking over Telesco’s other offseason moves, one that’s gone bust — so far — is his rebuilding of Los Angeles’ offensive line.

There’s also the aftermath of a positive COVID-19 test by one of the backup linemen which has the Chargers (2-4) in flux when they battle the Denver Broncos (2-4) on Sunday. It’s an AFC West rival with a defense that is ranked in the top 10 and has 18 sacks.

The L.A. story as the team aims for its first two-game winning streak of the season when facing Denver is upfront, on the right side.

Ryan Gory, who started three games at right guard for Trai Turner, has been placed on the COVID-19 and injury list after a positive result and hurting his biceps in last week’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Gory will miss at least three games and tackle Trey Pipkins was also put on the virus no-play category because of his proximity to Gory. There’s a chance Pipkins is cleared in time for Sunday’s outing.

All of this underscores the Chargers’ problems with their blockers, an area Telesco was motivated to address. But his two key acquisitions, Bryan Bulaga (back) and Turner (groin) have been dogged by injuries.

Bulaga came to L.A. as a free agent thanks to a three-year, $30 million deal which included $19.2 million in guarantees.

But after at least 12 starts in seven of his nine years with the Green Bay Packers, Bulaga’s has started only half of the Chargers’ games and he’s questionable for Sunday.

Turner has played in just one contest and he isn’t expected to provide protection for Herbert and company this weekend. Telesco brought Turner, a Pro Bowler, in from the Carolina Panthers, surrendering Pro Bowl left tackle Russell Okung in the process.

Turner arrived with a four-year, $45 million deal which runs through 2022, making him the Chargers’ fourth-highest paid player.

But neither maneuver has delivered the desired results.

That will test the Chargers, who lost Pro Bowl center Michael Pouncey (neck) before the season, in containing a Denver pass rush which is missing Von Miller, but still features Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed.

It’s likely that Scott Quessenberry will start at right guard. If the trifecta of Turner, Pipkins and Storm Norton (knee) are compromised, Tyree St. Louis gets the call at right tackle.

All of this is contingent on the visiting Chargers playing on Sunday after having their first player test positive since training camp started. Coach Anthony Lynn came down with COVID-19 in the offseason.

L.A.’s schedule has already been adjusted because of COVID-19 outbreaks on other teams. The Chargers saw their bye changed from mid-November to Week 6.

What’s clear that if the Chargers do kick off, they’ll say hello to more fresh faces as they sidestep obstacles on a front line that was reworked, but has yet to work out.