With the NFL regular season nearing, news around the league is starting to heat up, and there's been a lot that's happened since our last edition of the AFC West Update. Around this time each year there's an unfortunate surplus of injuries, and it should come as no surprise that the Los Angeles Chargers are one of the teams dealing with health issues in training camp.
Let's get you caught up on what's transpired within the division:
Denver Broncos
The Broncos offensive line allowed the third-most sacks in 2017 (52), and they'll certainly have to fix that if they want to be successful in 2018. That might be difficult however, considering tackle Garrett Bolles was carted off the field midway through Monday's practice.
The injury sounds worse than it seems though, Bolles apparently just took a shot to the chin, and is being evaluated for a head injury. The timetable on his return is uncertain, but for a team that's trying to have some consistency on the offensive line, they need to keep everyone healthy.
The Broncos will kickoff their preseason slate on August 11 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Kansas City Chiefs
When David Amerson was waived by the Washington Redskins three years ago, the Raiders swooped him up and threw him in the mix as soon as they could. The former North Carolina State cornerback started in 33 games for the Silver and Black, totaling six interceptions, 46 passes defensed, and 141 tackles. After struggling to stay healthy last season, "DA" and the Raiders parted ways, and this offseason he joined the division rival Chiefs. In the few months he's been there, he appears to be making a resurgence according to chiefs.com.
"I'm just getting better every day and finding things to work on – trying to stay active, trying to make plays and trying to stay productive," Amerson said.
It'll be weird seeing him suit up in another uniform, especially a Chiefs uniform. He'll face his former team for the first time Week 13 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
The Houston Texans will visit the Chiefs on August 9 for a preseason showdown.
Los Angeles Chargers
Remember last year when the Chargers suffered a ridiculous amount of season ending injuries? Well, believe it or not, history is repeating itself.
The team announced Friday that former 2014 first round pick Jason Verrett suffered a torn achilles. It's some tragic news for the cornerback that's only played five games the last two seasons due to ACL injuries. The former Pro Bowler's injury woes are just one instance of the several health issues the team has suffered in recent memory. The Bolts have added a lot of talented playmakers to this offseason, but they'll be without a key member of their secondary once again.
Preseason action starts on August 11 in Arizona when the Bolts take on the Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals.
