EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – The lights will shine bright at SoFi Stadium once again as the Los Angeles Chargers host their fourth prime-time game of the season — and their second at SoFi Stadium. Week 10 brings a high-stakes AFC clash featuring several marquee names, including a future Hall of Famer making headlines in an unexpected uniform.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) warms up before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium.
Aaron Rodgers, now under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, continues to defy time and expectations. At age 41, the four-time MVP has powered the Steelers to a 5-3 record while throwing for 1,692 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Five of those scores have gone to DK Metcalf, the star receiver who joined Pittsburgh this season to bolster Rodgers’ arsenal.
Rodgers’ precision and leadership remain intact, but this Sunday night could test his endurance. The Chargers’ pass rush, anchored by veteran Khalil Mack, is hungry — and Mack himself sits one sack away from joining elite company. With one more quarterback takedown, Mack will notch 35 sacks as a Charger, becoming just the second player in NFL history (alongside Hall of Famer Kevin Greene) to record 35 or more sacks with three different franchises.
While Rodgers commands headlines for Pittsburgh, Justin Herbert continues to drive one of the NFL’s top offenses. The Chargers enter Week 10 ranked fifth in total offense, 10th in rushing, and sixth in passing. Herbert has been exceptional this season, ranking second in the league with 220 completions for 2,390 yards and 18 touchdowns.
A recent addition could help him stay upright: left tackle Trevor Penning, acquired from the New Orleans Saints at the trade deadline. His arrival adds protection for Herbert as the Chargers seek to maintain their rhythm against a formidable Steelers defense.
That defense features the relentless duo of T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, who have combined for 9.5 sacks this season. If the Chargers can neutralize that edge pressure and control the tempo, they’ll give themselves a strong chance to come out on top.
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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs the ball in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium.
Keenan Allen’s season continues to be one for the record books. Fresh off becoming the fastest player to reach a key career receptions milestone, Allen is now just two catches away from breaking Antonio Gates’ franchise record of 955 receptions. The veteran wideout’s consistency and chemistry with Herbert have been vital to the Chargers’ offensive success — and another record could fall under the prime-time lights.
Injury Updates and Roster Notes
The Chargers will be missing a few key depth pieces heading into Sunday.
Questionable: Josh Harris, Keandre Lambert-Smith, Deane Leonard, Benjamin St-Juste, and Da’Shawn Hand
Rookie running back Omarion Hampton continues to rehab an ankle injury but was seen working off to the side at practice. “He’s progressing really well,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said Friday.
On a positive note, Keenan Allen, Khalil Mack, Mekhi Becton, and Tony Jefferson have all been cleared from the injury report and will be active on Sunday.
This matchup carries profound playoff implications. A Chargers win would push them to 7-3 and keep them within striking distance of the Denver Broncos in the AFC West. A loss would drop them to 6-4, half a game behind the Chiefs.
With Rodgers chasing another late-career playoff run and Herbert looking to solidify his team’s contender status, Sunday night’s clash at SoFi Stadium promises to deliver high drama — and perhaps a few historic moments.