The LA Chargers are coming to the Week 7 AFC test against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, with a 4-2 record. Even though the Chargers are coming off a win in Week 6, their defense will be tested against the Colts, who have one of the best offensive units this season, averaging 32.33 points a game. And while the Chargers are struggling with injuries to LT Joe Alt and LB Khalil Mack, head coach Jim Harbaugh is not too worried, knowing a lot can happen in the next 24 hrs.

Two players are getting a lot of interest from the coach. LT Joe Alt and LB Khalil Mack. Harbaugh is particularly interested in Mack. “It’s unbelievable. It’s like the Wolverine,” the Chargers HC compared the situation to his previous CFB team. “We’ll see, we got 24 hours still to make some of those determinations. What kind of impact it would make? It would be good.”

Notably, the Chargers’ head athletic trainer, Sal Lopez, created a 24-hour process to expedite the recovery process. Mack injured his ankle in the Week 2 game against the Raiders. But Jim Harbaugh designated him to return from the IR earlier this week. However, while the latest injury report listed him as doubtful, the linebacker’s recent actions may have hinted at a potential surprise for Week 7.

Mack returned to practice on Wednesday and looked pretty good. When asked if he would like to sit out the Colts matchup, he immediately replied negatively. “Nah. I’m a competitor. I like to be out there with my brothers,” he said while claiming that he would follow the process.

On the other hand, Joe Alt is dealing with a high ankle sprain and is listed as ‘doubtful’ for Week 7. Yet, the Chargers are set to face some genuine tests against the AFC South leaders.

Can Jim Harbaugh’s defense stop the Colts?

The Chargers’ defense remains shaky despite some bright moments. So far, they’ve scored 21.16 points per game while allowing 20.8, showing that most of their wins have come in close contests. Their turnover ratio sits at -1, which shows inconsistency in protecting and taking away the football.

Linebacker Daiyan Henley leads the unit with 46 tackles (25 solo), while Tony Jefferson has two interceptions. The team’s defensive line, featuring linebackers Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack, has generated pressure but struggled to stop the run, allowing 124.2 rushing yards per game and 7 rushing touchdowns. The Chargers’ secondary has been inconsistent, giving up 177.5 passing yards per game, but too many big plays in crucial moments.

The challenge grows tougher for Jim Harbaugh’s team as they face a red-hot Indianapolis Colts (5-1) offense led by quarterback Daniel Jones, who has thrown for 1,502 yards with 8 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions.

RB Jonathan Taylor has been outstanding with 603 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns, and 5.2 yards per carry. He averages 100 rushing yards per game, consistently moving the chains. The Colts’ receivers have also stepped up. Tight end Tyler Warren leads with 370 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Michael Pittman Jr. has added 293 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Against this kind of balanced attack, the Chargers’ defense must find ways to pressure Jones early and contain Taylor’s running lanes. If not, it will turn into a shootout the Chargers can’t control.