The Los Angeles Chargers (3–1) and Washington Commanders (2–2) both need a bounce-back game, and they’ll get their shot under the lights this Sunday. For Washington, it’s their first trip to L.A. since 2017, and let’s just say they didn’t exactly have these injuries in mind when they were planning for the Chargers.

Head coach Dan Quinn and the Commanders are heading to L.A. without Terry McLaurin, and that’s not the kind of veteran player you want to miss. McLaurin’s been ruled out with a lingering right quad injury, the one he picked up while trying to dive into the end zone on a 56-yard catch vs. the Raiders in Week 3.

ESPN’s John Keim said McLaurin’s been working at “partial speed” with trainers, which basically means he’s moving just enough to frustrate fantasy managers. Through four games, he’s got 10 catches for 149 yards, but that number won’t budge this week. Add WR Noah Brown and guard Sam Cosmi to the inactive list, and Quinn’s offense suddenly looks a little thin.

Wide receiver Noah Brown is sidelined with groin and knee issues after missing all practice sessions. Guard Sam Cosmi practiced fully Wednesday-Thursday but was ruled out after missing Friday with a knee problem, creating offensive line concerns.

But here’s the good news: Jayden Daniels is back.  The young QB, who’s already shown flashes of “franchise guy” energy, returns after a two-game break thanks to a sprained left knee. Before the injury, Daniels threw for 433 yards and three touchdowns, and his legs brought that extra spark Washington’s offense desperately needs. Quinn confirmed Friday that Daniels will start against the Chargers in Week 5, which is about the best news Commanders fans could’ve asked for.

Safety Percy Butler overcame a hip problem, advancing from limited to full participation. Linebacker Ale Kaho cleared concussion protocol, progressing from DNP to full by Friday. Cornerback Mike Sainristil missed Wednesday-Thursday with a knee injury but practiced fully Friday.

Deebo Samuel and corner Mike Sainristil are good to go, which is massive for the Washington offense that’s already running out of healthy receivers. If Samuel had sat, the Commanders would’ve been rolling out Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and Chris Moore as their only wideouts. And that’s not exactly a recipe for fireworks.

Tight end Zach Ertz, linebacker Nick Bellore, outside linebacker Von Miller, and tackle Laremy Tunsil all received Wednesday rest days before returning to full practice. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong missed Wednesday with illness before full Thursday-Friday work. Defensive tackle Daron Payne was limited on Thursday but missed Friday’s practice, creating some concern about his availability.

So while losing Terry McLaurin hurts, having Deebo and Daniels back at least keeps Washington’s hopes afloat. Now, over on the other sideline, Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers have their own headaches. Two of them, in fact.

Jim Harbaugh suffers two major blows

Chargers left tackle Joe Alt and WR Derius Davis are both out, and Harbaugh’s already doing that classic Harbaugh thing, pretending everything’s fine while clearly sweating bullets underneath the headset. “We’ll just keep that to ourselves,” Harbaugh said when asked who’d replace Alt, which roughly translates to: we have no idea yet, but please stop asking.

Alt’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. The first-rounder out of Notre Dame was carted off in Week 4 with a high-ankle sprain, and while it’s not season-ending, it definitely did not look like a “back next week” injury either. He’d been one of the bright spots on the O-line, and without him, Justin Herbert took a beating. He was hit 13 times against the Giants.

As for Derius Davis, his knee issue sidelines one of L.A.’s most versatile depth guys: a return ace and slot gadget weapon. With him out, expect a carousel of backups like Tarheeb Still and KeAndre Lambert-Smith to split return duties.

Guard Mekhi Becton progressed through concussion protocol from limited on Wednesday and Thursday to full Friday participation, but remains questionable. Tight end Will Dissly stayed limited all week with a knee problem, creating uncertainty at the position. Tight end Tucker Fisk carries a questionable tag with a toe issue after limited Thursday work before full Friday participation.

Veteran receiver Keenan Allen received a rest day on Wednesday before full Thursday and Friday practice. Center Andre James practiced fully all week despite a neck issue. Safety Derwin James Jr. overcame a glute problem, advancing from limited to full participation. Cornerback Tarheeb Still followed the same progression with an ankle injury.

So yeah, both teams are kind of hobbling into this one. The Commanders are missing their veteran in Terry McLaurin on offense, and the Chargers are missing their protector on the edge. This was always going to be an unpredictable matchup, but these key absences have made life even harder for the teams.