Chargers put Lance and Penning on IR as Matlock and Taylor return

The Chargers enter Sunday's game against Denver with another change to their injury-depleted roster: quarterback Trey Lance and offensive lineman Trevor Penning are on injured reserve, while Scott Matlock and Branson Taylor have been activated. Los Angeles also signed receiver Theo Wease to its active roster ahead of the Week 5 matchup.

The team's transaction announcement identified the Lance and Penning moves as corresponding adjustments for the returns of Matlock and Taylor. Wease filled the opening created when tackle Rashawn Slater went on injured reserve. The Chargers additionally elevated offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill and cornerback Isas Waxter from the practice squad for Sunday's game.

The additions give Los Angeles options at several positions, but activation does not establish that every returning player will play. Matlock remains listed as questionable with a foot injury. Taylor also carries a questionable designation, leaving his participation unresolved.

Penning had been ruled out with a concussion before the injured-reserve move. Lance was doubtful with a groin injury on the earlier report. The Saturday league roundup subsequently confirmed that both had gone on injured reserve, making the transaction a material change from their earlier weekly game designations.

The offensive line still has confirmed absences beyond those roster moves. Joe Alt is out with a neck injury. Slater's placement on injured reserve also removes him from Sunday's available group. Brunskill brings experience to the line: the team's announcement credits him with 71 starts in 108 career regular-season appearances for San Francisco, Tennessee and Miami.

Taylor, a sixth-round selection in the 2025 draft, started in his NFL debut during last season's regular-season finale, according to the Chargers. His return provides another guard/tackle option, subject to his game status. Matlock serves at fullback and on the defensive line, having added offensive responsibilities after beginning his career on defense.

Wease's promotion comes with Quentin Johnston and Brenen Thompson ruled out. The team's release says Wease appeared in three games for Miami as a rookie last season, catching six passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. Those prior numbers describe his experience; Los Angeles has not established a Sunday workload for him.

Receiver Ladd McConkey remains questionable with a foot injury, and tight end Charlie Kolar is questionable with a forearm injury. Safety Derwin James and cornerback Donte Jackson are among the other players ruled out on the current league report.

Denver is 2-2 and Los Angeles is 0-4 entering the 4:05 p.m. Eastern kickoff at SoFi Stadium on CBS. The Broncos have ruled out cornerbacks Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss, leaving both teams with confirmed personnel changes before the late-window game.

Sources

Matlock, Taylor return; Wease signed · NFL: Saturday roster and injury updates · Week 5 game-status report · NFL: Week 5 injury designations