The Chargers’ defense was shorthanded in Week 10 with Chris Rumph suffering a foot injury in warmups. They will likely be without the third-year edge rusher for the rest of the campaign as well. 
Rumph has been diagnosed with a foot fracture and is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season as a result, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The news marks an unexpected end to his campaign, and it will leave Los Angeles without a rotational contributor along the edge as well as a regular on special teams.
Drafted in the fourth round in 2021, Rumph has found himself behind Joey Bosa and, for the past two years, Khalil Mack on the depth chart. Both Pro Bowlers have had productive seasons so far, combining for 15.5 sacks. As a result, Rumph has been limited to a defensive snap share of just 24%, a step back from his playing time last season. The 25-year-old recorded five tackles in six games in 2023.
With 2024 representing the final year of his rookie contract, Rumph will need to recover in full in search of an uptick in usage and production when back on the field. The Duke alum has totaled three sacks in 37 career games. Next season also marks the final one of Mack’s current deal, so it will be interesting to see how the Chargers handle their edge group from a financial standpoint next offseason. Rumph’s chances of earning a notable deal in free agency with Los Angeles or another team has been dealt a blow with today’s news, though.
As the 4-5 Chargers move forward to close out the rest of the season, they will no doubt continue to rely heavily on Bosa and Mack as starters. Second-round rookie Tuli Tuipulotu has had a strong debut campaign as well, recording four sacks and 15 pressures in nine games. That trio will be counted on down the stretch as Rumph turns his attention to recovery.
Time then for Henley to step in and show
The Chargers have a defense? I believe Denver is the only team in the league ranked worse. It would be pretty surprising if some staff firings aren’t on the horizon.
The Chargers have spent 43% of their cap space on the defensive side of the ball, with the top 6 out of 7 contracts taking that side of the field. (3rd highest in the NFL)
That’s a huge investment to keep a win streak against the Raiders alive.
So the Chargers have a Sore RUMPH !!