The AFC West has been one of the stronger divisions so far this season, but have also been tagged with a multitude of injuries. Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian endured an injury this past Sunday, Kansas City has been attempting to get running back Jamaal Charles back to 100 percent, and the Chargers have suffered the brunt of the damage with a plethora of ACL injuries.
With a quarter of the season in the rear view mirror, the AFC West race is beginning to unfold. Heading into Week 5, let's take a look at what's going on in the division.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos still remain undefeated at 4-0.
Week 4 served as another game the Denver defense was dominant, yet again. The Broncos held the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a single touchdown, and managed to put up 27 points. Although the defense continued to show its physicality last Sunday, the primary takeaway was an injury to starting quarterback Trevor Siemian.
Siemian has been productive through the first quarter of the season, putting up some serviceable numbers. He has completed 68 of 101 pass attempts for a completion percentage of 67.3, good for the seventh best in the NFL.
The first year-starter has been able to find his offensive weapons for six touchdowns, with three interceptions. Unfortunately for the Broncos, his production will come to a halt for the time being. Siemian suffered a shoulder injury in the second-quarter of the game against Tampa Bay when the signal-caller was sacked by Bucs' Clinton McDonald. Following the play Siemian was carted off the field to receive medical treatment, and would end up being diagnosed with a sprained shoulder.
Fortunately for Siemian, the injury suffered occurred on his non-throwing arm, but was held out of practice on Wednesday. He hasn't attempted to throw or push the injury, according to DenverBroncos.com.
It appears as though for the time being, the Broncos will roll with rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch. The first-year player played well in his first NFL game last Sunday against Tampa Bay. He completed 58.3 percent of his passes for 170 yards and a touchdown.
The Broncos will take on an electric Atlanta Falcons offense this Sunday, and it appears as though Lynch will make his first career start. The game will take place at Sports Authority Field at 1:05 p.m. PT.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs won't be active in Week 5 as the team gets an off week due to the BYE. Through four games this season, the team sits at .500 with a record of 2-2. Last week, Kansas City struggled against a potential Super Bowl contender in the Pittsburgh Steelers, losing in The Steel City 43 to 14.
The BYE week seems to come at a good time for the Chiefs and provides them with an opportunity to regroup before the Week 6 matchup against the Raiders in Oakland.
The defense hadn't been an issue for the Chiefs heading into their matchup, but did allow Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to throw five touchdown passes.
Offensively, the team is still attempting to get by without the aid of its stud running back, Jamaal Charles. The nine-year veteran stated recently that he feels 100 percent ready to take the field, and finally took the field last Sunday after recovering from his ACL injury a season ago.
The Pro Bowler only got two carries in the game for seven yards, and should most likely continue to get worked in slowly as the team goes forward.
Charles and the Chiefs will have the BYE week to continue developing and game planning before they head to Oakland to take on the Silver and Black at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum October 16.
San Diego Chargers
Wednesday afternoon was a big day for the Chargers organization. Rookie defensive end Joey Bosa participated in his first full practice yesterday after being limited the past couple weeks with a hamstring injury. According to Chargers.com, this was the first time Bosa has been a full participant and not listed on the injury report all season.
"(I) came back to an easy day with no pads," said Bosa. "But I'm feeling great and ready to go this week."
If Bosa is ready to go this week, his first game in the NFL will be against the Oakland Raiders this Sunday. It's unclear if the rookie would shift around on the defensive line, but he could potentially face off against left tackle Donald Penn.
The third overall pick finally appears to be caught up to speed with the team, after missing significant time because of his contract holdout. His presence on the field could significantly help out the Bolts, considering they've been hobbled by injuries all season long.
Recently, the Chargers lost cornerback Jason Verrett to a partial ACL tear which will force him to miss the remainder of the 2016 season. This is the third ACL injury the team has suffered this year, and Bosa is clearly needed now more than ever.
The Chargers will kick off against the Raiders this Sunday in Oakland at 1:25 p.m.
