The Los Angeles Chargers are dealing with another ugly injury situation heading into their Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. With eight players missing practice Friday and several key contributors dealing with injuries, the Chargers could be difficult to trust when setting fantasy football lineups this weekend.

The biggest concern is offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, who underwent successful ankle surgery Thursday in Los Angeles. According to reports, Slater had a tight-rope procedure designed to accelerate his recovery from a high-ankle sprain suffered during Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks. He will be placed on injured reserve and begin rehabbing, leaving the Chargers without one of their most important offensive linemen for the foreseeable future.

Slater's absence is a significant blow to an offensive line already dealing with injuries. Joe Alt (neck) also missed practice Friday and is ruled out for Sunday.

Derwin James (hamstring), Donte Jackson (hamstring), Kayode Awosika (Fibula), and Trevor Penning (Concussion) are also out. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) was among the other players who did not participate, but he is labeled as questionable for Sunday.

Omarion Hampton is the safest Chargers fantasy option

For fantasy football purposes, Omarion Hampton is the one Chargers player managers should feel most comfortable starting heading into Week 5. The rookie running back remains an important part of the offense, and his potential workload makes him a more appealing option than the team's injury-plagued receiving corps.

“I don't see any change in terms of the depth chart at all. I felt I was underutilizing a strength,” Mike McDaniel said when asked about Hampton's spot on the depth chart. “I can't make the statement more emphatic: it's not because I lost any faith in O at all.”

Slater's and Alt's absence will make things even more difficult against Denver's defense. A weakened offensive line limits the Chargers' ability to establish the run, but Hampton's involvement still gives him a path to fantasy production if Los Angeles leans on him to take pressure off the passing game.

Keaton Mitchell is another name to monitor for managers looking for a deeper-league option. Hampton remains the more appealing choice until there is a clearer indication that Mitchell will receive a meaningful workload.

Ladd McConkey's injury creates another headache

McConkey's foot injury is arguably the most important offensive development on the Chargers' injury report. He would be the only Los Angeles pass-catcher worth considering for a fantasy lineup, but his lack of practice makes him a risky option heading into the weekend.

Fantasy managers should seriously consider moving on to another receiver. There is little reason to take a major risk on an injured player when healthier alternatives are available.

Quentin Johnston and rookie Brenen Thompson were ruled out. Johnston was limited this week with a chest injury, but his recent production has not justified trusting him as a fantasy starter even if he was healthy.

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Chargers injuries make Week 5 a difficult fantasy matchup

The Chargers' injury report extends well beyond their offensive line and receiving corps. Cam Hart, Alec Ingold, Charlie Kolar, Trey Lance, Deane Leonard and Dalvin Tomlinson were among those limited this week. Khalil Mack was a full participant after receiving his usual veteran rest day Wednesday. They all should play, but we won't know until Sunday.

With Slater sidelined and several other players questionable, fantasy managers should be cautious about relying on the Chargers this week. Hampton is the clearest starting option, while McConkey's availability will determine whether he belongs in the conversation.