AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

• Per the Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala, Broncos HC Vic Fangio said it was possible that OT Ja’Wuan James wouldn’t play the final two games as he battles a knee injury: “I don’t know the answers to that yet. We’re working though it. … I don’t think he feels it’s 100 percent, so he’s a little leery right now.”

Chargers

Chargers QB Philip Rivers‘ struggles with turnovers returned again on Sunday in a blowout loss to the Vikings. Rivers tossed three interceptions to push his total to 18 on the season with two games to go. Those two games could be the last of Rivers’ Chargers career, as he acknowledged the reality he’s not under contract for anything more. 

“I mean, they could be (the final two games),” Rivers said via the Los Angeles Times. “I don’t necessarily expect that it is, or I don’t necessarily think it’s a crazy thought that it will be. I think you just don’t know.”

The topic of Rivers’ benching has come up at times this season, especially as Los Angeles has limped to a 5-9 record. It’s not out of the question the Chargers could decide to move on and start the next chapter in their franchise history regardless of if Rivers wants to come back or not. 

“It’s not solely going to be my decision,” he said. “That’s where I think that uncertainty lies. We will just kind of have to see. … I think with that uncertainty it does add some emotion.”

Chiefs

• According to James Palmer, Chiefs DE Frank Clark lost about 18-20 pounds and spent time in the hospital this week. However, specialists believe they have fixed the issue, which apparently stems from an appendectomy from a while back.
• Clark said with his health issues, including a neck and nerve issue, doctors told him to not play at the start of the season.
• Clark added that he was about 20 percent healthy for the start of the season, but is feeling much better now. (James Palmer)

Raiders

Raiders HC Jon Gruden apologized to Raiders fans after the team dropped what will be its final game in Oakland before a move to Las Vegas next year. Oakland led 16-3 at the half but a late rally by the visiting Jaguars ended the Raiders’ time in the city on a sour note. 

“I’d like to say we could have sent the Raiders fans off with a lot better finish than that,” Gruden said via NBC Sports’ Josh Schrock. “I think, most importantly, before we talk about the game, I’d like to thank the fans. I’d like to thank the city of Oakland for supporting the Raiders and being faithful in all kinds of seasons. I’ll miss them. I love them and I’m sorry about the outcome today, but I think that’s something that needs to be said. An exclamation point. I really apologize that we weren’t able to deliver a victory.”

• Regarding RB Josh Jacobs, Gruden said he had trouble getting shoulder pads off yesterday and status for rest of season will be in question: “I’ve coached a long time and I’ve had really tough backs. Really tough guys. And he is up there at the top of the food chain.” (Jerry McDonald)
• Raiders fifth-round rookie WR Hunter Renfrow (ribs) is expected to return to the field this week against the Chargers. (Vic Tafur)