Good morning, Bolts From the Blue.
Zander Horvath is a free agent again, as the team cut him to make room for Austen Pleasants.
The moves comes as a bit of a surprise, as Pleasants didn’t shine as a productive blocker in the preseason. He looked strongest in the first game, pitching a pressure shutout in 29 pass-blocking snaps. However, he did get flagged for a false start on the first drive of the game. In the following two games, he allowed a total of two sacks and five pressures, lowering his pass blocking efficiency grade to 96.4%, a less-than-ideal grade for the fourth year player matching up against reserves.
Bringing Zander Horvath back to immediately cut him is a puzzling move. Kellen Moore appears absolutely stumped on how to get this run game moving again. Austin Ekeler has looked hampered in the open field, and the offensive line is struggling to finish blocks and really open up running lanes for either back. Electing to part with Horvath again and continuing to enter games with only two active backs suggests the team doesn’t really have a plan for fixing what’s been a major problem. We’re likely looking at some more Justin Herbert hero ball tomorrow.
Here is the final injury report for the Chargers:
full #LACvsNE game status pic.twitter.com/xSscfsP11m
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 1, 2023
And now, for today’s daily links:
Chargers News:
Brandon Staley took time in his press conference to address Keenan Allen concerns, won’t commit to game status yet (Chargers.com)
Eric Smith shares his five final thoughts heading into the Patriots game (Chargers.com)
Alex Katson shares his reasons for concern and reasons for optimism for the Patriots game (Chargers Wire)
The Chargers cut Zander Horvath (again), sign Austen Pleasants to practice squad (Chargers Wire)
NFL News:
Jabrill Peppers gets caught on hot mic roasting Patriots, apologizes to team (CBS NFL)
David Tepper says that the priority for the remainder of the season is for the Panthers to protect Bryce Young (CBS NFL)
Joe Flacco to start for the Browns against the Rams (NFL.com)
49ers-Eagles has “Game of the Year” potential (NFL.com)
Pete Carroll unhappy with officiating of THF game, “Way too many penalties” (ESPN NFL)
De’Von Achane to return to the lineup after knee setback (ESPN)