Chargers vs Broncos: Impact of Injuries on Week 3 Matchup

Daiyan Henley (born November 18, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL)[1][4]. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Henley attended Crenshaw High School, a notable football program in the city, and is the cousin of former NFL player Darryl Henley[1][5]. His personal story is marked by resilience and a strong connection to his community, shaped in part by his father’s complex background and subsequent efforts to guide his family toward positive choices[6]. Henley’s collegiate career began at the University of Nevada, where he initially played wide receiver before transitioning to linebacker during his junior year—a move that proved pivotal for his development[1][5]. After a season-ending injury and a medical redshirt year, Henley excelled at linebacker, earning second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2021 after leading Nevada with 103 tackles, three tackles for loss, and four interceptions[1]. Seeking greater exposure, he transferred to Washington State University for his final season, where he continued to showcase his versatility and defensive prowess[1][5]. The Los Angeles Chargers selected Henley in the third round (85th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, marking a homecoming for the South Los Angeles native[5]. Since joining the Chargers, Henley has been recognized for his work ethic and leadership, earning a captain role and delivering standout performances that have drawn attention within the organization[2]. His transition from college to the NFL has been noted as impressive, with his athleticism and adaptability standing out as key assets for the Chargers’ defense[3][7]. As of the 2024 season, Henley remains an active and contributing member of the Chargers’ roster, continuing to build on his early professional achievements[4][9]. While specific recent events such as injuries have occasionally limited his availability, his trajectory suggests a player with the potential to grow into a significant role for his hometown team in the years ahead[8]. Henley’s journey—from local high school standout to NFL linebacker—stands as a testament to perseverance and the impact of strong familial and community support[6].

KeAndre Lambert-Smith (born October 16, 2001) is an American professional football wide receiver and kickoff returner currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the NFL. He was selected by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Lambert-Smith played college football initially at Penn State before transferring to Auburn for his senior year. Raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Lambert-Smith attended Matthew Fontaine Maury High School, where he excelled as a senior by gaining over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and scoring 26 touchdowns, leading his team to a Group 5A state championship. Rated a four-star recruit, he chose Penn State over several major programs. At Penn State, Lambert-Smith had a notable collegiate career from 2020 to 2023. He amassed 1,598 receiving yards on 116 receptions, placing him 19th in career receiving yards and 14th in receptions in Penn State history. He set the school record as the only player with multiple receptions over 80 yards and had 20 catches of 20-plus yards. His highlights include an 88-yard touchdown reception in the 2023 Rose Bowl, which set a Rose Bowl record, and becoming the only Penn State wide receiver to both catch and throw a touchdown in the same game. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and was recognized for academic achievements as well. In April 2024, Lambert-Smith transferred to Auburn, where he continued to perform strongly, recording 50 catches for 981 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2024 season. He completed his undergraduate degree in recreation, parks, and tourism management at Penn State in 2024 and began graduate studies at Auburn. He is the nephew of Kam Chancellor, former NFL safety for the Seattle Seahawks. Lambert-Smith is known for his athletic versatility and contributions both on offense and special teams. As of 2025, he is active with the Los Angeles Chargers, beginning his professional career in the NFL[1][3][4][6].

Justin Herbert is an American football quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL), widely recognized for his strong arm, athleticism, and academic achievements[1][5]. Born March 10, 1998, in Eugene, Oregon, Herbert attended Sheldon High School before staying in his hometown to play college football at the University of Oregon[2]. He became the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Oregon since 1983 and quickly established himself as a program standout, setting records for the fastest to reach 4,000 career passing yards and finishing his college career second in Oregon history in both touchdown passes (95) and passing yards (10,541)[2][6]. Herbert led the Ducks to a 29-13 record over 42 starts, including a Pac-12 Championship in 2019 and a Rose Bowl MVP honor in 2020[1]. His academic excellence was equally notable, as he earned a degree in general science, was a three-time Academic First-Team All-American, and won the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy as the nation’s top scholar-athlete in 2019[2][6]. Herbert was selected sixth overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft[1][5]. He made an immediate impact in the NFL, setting records for the most passing yards, touchdown passes, and completions by a quarterback in his first two seasons[6]. As of the 2025 season, Herbert has started 62 NFL games, amassing over 17,000 passing yards and 114 touchdown passes, with a career passer rating above 95[3]. His combination of size (6’6”, 236 lbs), arm talent, and mobility has made him one of the league’s most dynamic young quarterbacks[3][4]. Herbert remains central to the Chargers’ ambitions as they transition under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has publicly praised Herbert’s talent and leadership[4]. Recent seasons have seen Herbert continue to post strong statistical performances, though the team has faced challenges with consistency and injuries, including a 2024 finger fracture that temporarily sidelined him[3][4]. Despite these setbacks, Herbert is regarded as a franchise cornerstone and a key figure in the Chargers’ pursuit of postseason success. His blend of on-field production and off-field intellect ensures he remains one of the NFL’s most closely watched players as he enters his prime[3][4][5].