Los Angeles Chargers veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack had to leave Monday night's victory over the Las Vegas Raiders following a dislocated elbow that looked quite nasty on replay. Luckily, the injury will not end his season.
On Wednesday, the team announced that Mack will be placed on injured reserve, but he should return to the team within "a few weeks".
#Chargers legend Khalil Mack, who left Monday’s win over the #Raiders with a dislocated elbow, is expected to be back in a few weeks, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Not season-ending.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2025
Good news for LAC, as Mack has looked like his usual productive self for this stellar defense. pic.twitter.com/Zdku3gAE8I
The Chargers are already sitting atop the AFC West standings with back-to-back wins over divisional opponents and they can make it three for three with a victory over the Denver Broncos this Sunday. The team should look to keep that momentum going by making sure that Mack is adequately replaced in the lineup.
Tuli Tuipolotu, Bud Dupree and Caleb Murphy are going to be the players charged with sustaining the team's pass rush, but reinforcements must be lined up. As you can imagine, the free-agent market is quite bare this time of year, but general manager Joe Hortiz should do his due diligence and see what's out there.
Here is a look at some players who could be options for the team.
Los Angeles Chargers' options to replace Khalil Mack
Carl Lawson: Currently a free agent, Carl Lawson is a former fourth-round pick who is still only 30 years old. His 27 career sacks could be enticing as a player the team could bring in for a month or so to help keep its defense on track.
DeMarcus Walker: A former second-round pick, DeMarcus Walker can be used as a situational pass-rush specialist. He had 3.5 sacks in each of the previous two seasons with the Chicago Bears and has 26.5 for his career. Like Lawson, he is also just 30 years old.
Kyle Kennard: The best option may already be on the roster. Kyle Kennard, selected in the fourth round of this year's draft, was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year last year. He has been a healthy scratch in each of the team's first two games, but that may be reconsidered now with Mack out of the lineup.
Kennard had 11.5 sacks for South Carolina last season and 24 for his career in college.
MORE CHARGERS CONTENT
Los Angeles Chargers' fans urged to sell playoff odds due to rough luck in the past
Los Angeles Chargers' surging linebacker compared to Michael Jordan for Week 2 performance
NFL Picks, Predictions Week 2: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Chargers undrafted rookie may bring his Cinderella story to 'Monday Night Football'
Chargers release former first-round pick and running back, sign new linebacker