AFC Notes: Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Chargers

• Per the Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Chargers HC Anthony Lynn said RB Austin Ekeler would be back “later rather than sooner” from his “very serious” hamstring injury.
• Lynn said if DE Melvin Ingram and DT Justin Jones return this week against the Jaguars they’ll likely be on a snap count. (Gilbert Manzano)
• Lynn mentioned Chargers LB Drue Tranquill has a shot to return to play late this season. (Manzano)
• The Chargers are open to the idea of signing former Bills G Quinton Spain but Lynn said he does like his current depth on the offensive line. (Popper)

Chiefs

• Per ESPN’s Adam Teicher, Chiefs HC Andy Reid said new RB Le’Veon Bell will practice this week but it isn’t guaranteed he’ll play against the Broncos this week: “We’ll take it day by day, just see how he does.”
• Bell told reporters he knows he’s in for a lesser role coming into Kansas City: “When I decided to come here, I knew the weapons they have and there’s only one football.” (Teicher)
• However, the fit with the offense and chance for success was too good to pass up: “I think this offense is really fit for my skill set. It’s going to be fun, there’s going to be a lot of weapons.” (Herbie Teope)
• Chiefs DE Taco Charlton sat out practice Wednesday with a knee injury. Others who missed practice included WR Sammy Watkins, RT Mitchell Schwartz and DE Alex Okafor. (Nate Taylor)

Raiders

Regarding being perfect on field goal and extra-point attempts so far this season, Raiders K Daniel Carlson said kicking on Allegiant Stadium’s turf in Las Vegas is “very different” than the former playing surface at the Oakland Coliseum. 

“It’s very different kicking off dirt and with the wind at the Coliseum. The field in Las Vegas is unbelievable. You don’t have to worry about the conditions, which is nice,” said Carlson, via Vic Tafur. 

• Per Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Raiders had to send home five offensive linemen due to contact tracing from RT Trent Brown‘s positive COVID-19 test. 
• It’s unclear if those five will return in time for Sunday’s game, though the Raiders are hopeful. 
• Raiders S Johnathan Abram was also sent home due to contact tracing. (Bonsignore)
• Raiders HC Jon Gruden said new DT David Irving has some potential but they’re keeping expectations low given his long time off: “We’re excited to give him a chance to revitalize his career. I have no predictions. He has a resume, but nothing recent.” (Vic Tafur)
• Gruden noted it’s still undecided who will be the primary backup quarterback between Marcus Mariota and Nathan Peterman after Mariota returned from injured reserve. (Tafur)