The Saturday tripleheader for Week 17 kicks off in New England as the Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Harbaugh’s crew can clinch a playoff spot with a win while the Patriots are in the mix for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Both teams have a solid list of players on their injury report, which is certainly to be expected this late in the season. Let’s check out the latest injury news and players listed as out for both teams.

Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots Inactives

Los Angeles Chargers Inactives

• RB Gus Edwards
• LB Denzel Perryman
• OT Trey Pipkins

New England Patriots Inactives

• C Ben Brown
• RB Terrell Jennings
• QB Joe Milton
• S Jabrill Peppers
• OG Tyrese Robinson
• OG Sidy Sow

Latest Injury Report News and Updates

While the Chargers ruled one running back out in Gus Edwards (ankle), they are getting one back. The team is activating running back J.K. Dobbins from injured reserve after Dobbins logged a full practice Thursday.

Dobbins is listed as questionable for Saturday but with the team activating him this week, his arrow is pointing up for playing in his first game since suffering his knee injury in Week 12.

Perryman had made his return in Week 16 after missing four weeks with a groin injury, only to re-aggravate the injury during the win over the Broncos. Perryman did not practice all week and will not play Saturday against the Patriots. A Chargers win would lock up a playoff spot and allow the Chargers the opportunity to rest Perryman until the playoffs.

The Patriots will be without starting center Ben Brown as he is still in concussion protocol, missing practice all week. Cole Strange could move over and get his first start at center with Brown out.

Strange is dealing with an injury of his own. While active last week against the Bills, Strange did not play a snap in the loss. He was limited all week and is listed as questionable, but is expected to play and, as mentioned before, get the start at center.

Cornerback Marcus Jones is missing his second straight game with a hip injury. The team could opt to sit Jones for the rest of the season.

The Patriots also have a pair of safeties, Kyle Dugger (ankle/quad) and Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) listed as questionable. Peppers was limited in practice all week. Dugger did not practice Tuesday or Wednesday but was upgraded to limited on Thursday. Dell Pettus and Marte Mapu could start if either Dugger or Peppers can’t go.

Los Angeles Chargers Projected Starting Lineup

Here is the projected starting lineup for the Chargers based on their current depth chart.

• Quarterback: Justin Herbert
• Running back: J.K. Dobbins
• Fullback: Scott Matlock
• Wide receiver: Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Joshua Palmer
• Tight end: Hayden Hurst
• Left tackle: Rashawn Slater
• Left guard: Zion Johnson
• Center: Bradley Bozeman
• Right guard: Sam Mustipher
• Right tackle: Joe Alt
• Defensive end: Morgan Fox
• Defensive tackle: Otito Ogbonnia
• Nose tackle: Poona Ford
• Inside linebackers: Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman
• Outside linebackers: Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack
• Cornerbacks: Kristian Fulton, Tarheeb Still
• Safeties: Derwin James Jr., Tony Jefferson
• Kicker: Cameron Dicker
• Punter: JK Scott
• Long snapper: Josh Harris
• Kick returner: Derius Davis
• Punt returner: Derius Davis

New England Patriots Projected Starting Lineup

Here is the projected starting lineup for the Patriots based on their current depth chart.

• Quarterback: Drake Maye
• Running back: Rhamondre Stevenson
• Wide receiver: Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas
• Tight end: Hunter Henry
• Left tackle: Vederian Lowe
• Left guard: Layden Robinson
• Center: Lecitus Smith
• Right guard: Mike Onwenu
• Right tackle: Demontrey Jacobs
• Defensive end: Keion White
• Defensive tackle: Daniel Ekuale
• Nose Tackle: Davon Godchaux
• Weakside linebacker: Anfernee Jennings
• Middle linebacker: Christian Elliss
• Strongside linebacker: Jahlani Tavai
• Cornerbacks: Jonathan Jones, Christian Gonzalez
• Safeties: Kyle Dugger, Marte Mapu
• Kicker: Joey Slye
• Punter: Bryce Baringer
• Long snapper: Joe Cardona
• Kick returner: Javon Baker
• Punt returner: DeMario Douglas