Chargers Players Rising and Falling After Week 8 Loss: NFL Trade Deadline Impact

Waxter makes his first start

With Donte Jackson, Deane Leonard, Rodney Shelley and Derwin James unavailable, Isas Waxter started at corner for the first time in the NFL. The third corner showed reliable, aggressive tackling and was not obviously beaten in coverage. Waxter finished with six tackles, including two for loss, in the game against the Rams.

Slaughter struggles at center

Jake Slaughter, the Chargers’ second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, was initially expected to move from center to guard and compete for a spot during camp. He later returned to center after Tyler Biadasz was injured.

Slaughter had one of his toughest games against the Rams, with problems in the run game and missed blocks. The account also describes him as outmatched and says the team will need him to improve as the season continues.

McConkey provides an offensive bright spot

Ladd McConkey returned for a full game after injuries earlier in the season and performed well against the Rams’ secondary, which includes Trent McDuffie and Quentin Lake. He led the Chargers with 86 receiving yards on four catches. The article identifies him as the offense’s lone bright spot and says he could help improve a unit described as the league’s worst.

Molden has a difficult outing

Elijah Molden’s play for the Chargers has included both strong and weak stretches, with injuries contributing to some of the downs. After signing a contract extension, he has continued to be inconsistent on the field.

Against the Rams, Molden missed multiple important tackles and had poor run fits, with no major coverage plays. The article notes that he was playing without Derwin James Jr. alongside him.