Chargers, Ducks, and Eagles Face Long Slog After Early Collapse
Injury plagues and early losses have left three major programs with little to play for, creating a season-long wait for fans.
By Matthew Collins ·
The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-6, the worst start for any NFL team, and they are the only winless franchise in the league. No team in NFL history has begun a season with six losses and advanced to the playoffs. The Chargers entered the 2026 campaign with high expectations after reaching the postseason the previous year, but their offensive line has been decimated by injuries since August.
Center Tyler Biadasz suffered the first major injury, leading to five additional absences that include starters Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. As a result, the Chargers have not fielded a fully healthy starting offensive line all season. The team is currently navigating the AFC West division, facing opponents that have inflicted repeated defeats.
In college football, the Oregon Ducks have fallen from the number two national ranking to unranked status. Their record stands at 4-3 after a rough start that included a narrow loss to Boise State and a defeat to Oklahoma State. Sophomore quarterback Drew Mestemaker was tackled in the end zone on a running play during the Oklahoma State game, a moment that marked the turning point for the Ducks.
Oregon subsequently lost to unranked Iowa and unranked Illinois. With no clear path to a Big Ten Championship and a likely exit from the playoff picture, the team’s season is effectively over. They may still qualify for the Bojangles Bowl, but their competitive goals have largely vanished.
The Philadelphia Eagles started the year 2-0 before falling into a five-game losing streak. The collapse has been fueled by a string of injuries that have depleted the roster. Running back Saquon Barkley was hurt during Monday night’s game against Dallas, following his absence in the two prior contests.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts is out indefinitely after reportedly playing with blood clots. This injury raises concerns that his career could end prematurely. The Eagles will finish the year without a starting quarterback, while their receivers and running back also battle health issues. The team’s depth has been further reduced by the departure of receiver A.J. Brown.
With key positions filled by backups or injured players, the Eagles have no remaining starting quarterback. The season ahead will feature a group of players who entered the year as contenders but now finish out their schedule with minimal stakes.
