Chargers LB Khalil Mack avoids season-ending elbow injury, expected back in a few weeks

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Los Angeles Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack has avoided a worst-case scenario.

Mack is expected to miss just a few weeks after suffering a disclocated elbow during the Chargers’ 20-9 win over the Raiders on Monday night, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported on Thurday.

Mack went down near the end of the first quarter when he reached to help bring down Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker when his arm bent back awkwardly against teammate Troy Dye, who was also in on the tackle. Mack looked to be in considerable pain and was evaluated in the blue medical tent before heading to the locker room for testing. He returned to the sideline with his arm wrapped heavily and in a sling, his night done.

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At the time of Mack’s exit, Los Angeles led Las Vegas, 10-3, and were putting consistent pressure on Raiders quarterback Geno Smith — with Mack having logged his first sack of the campaign a few drives earlier.

Though the Chargers continued to stymie Smith’s Raiders to move to 2-0 and an early lead in the AFC West, the challenge will now be continuing to sustain such defensive excellence long term sans the three-time All-Pro.

Mack going down is a considerable blow for Los Angeles’ defense, which last year was tops in the league in points allowed and has looked similarly stingy through two games this season. Mack, 34, is a veteran leader, perennial Pro Bowler and still a sizeable threat to QBs 12 years into his career. He’s made every Pro Bowl since 2015 outside of his injury-shortened 2021 season — including all three previous campaigns with the Chargers, during which he logged 31 sacks.

With Monday night’s sack, his career total stands at 108.5.

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