The Los Angeles Chargers are getting ready for a playoff recreation on Sunday once they go on the street to tackle the Houston Texans. By some means, the Chargers should play the most important recreation of their season as their residence metropolis is being ripped aside by wild fires. LA has taken on an apocalyptical really feel this week as devastating fires have destroyed tens of hundreds of acres across the metropolis. The Chargers nonetheless held apply on Thursday from their residence base in El Segundo, and much more than 20 miles away from the place the fires burned in Pacific Palisades, the sky instructed an ominous story of the encircling destruction.
Chargers gamers wore masks as they went by way of apply on Thursday. Head coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned the workforce diminished time and depth in outside apply due to the terrible air high quality. Simply have a look at these footage:
Taylor Heinicke (kneeling) among the many Chargers gamers sporting a masks throughout walkthrough at this time as Chargers put together to move to Houston this afternoon. Air high quality undoubtedly a priority at this time, even in El Segundo. pic.twitter.com/sI5Fyaju4y
— Thuc Nhi Nguyen (@thucnhi21) January 9, 2025
QB Taylor Heinicke, DT Otito Ogbonnia and T Joe Alt amongst gamers sporting masks at this time. Skies orange and a few ashes flying round at apply pic.twitter.com/vV568jappn
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 9, 2025
ESPN reporter Kris Rhim confirmed the distinction in air high quality at apply from Wednesday to Thursday. The state of affairs has been escalating by the minute during the last 48 hours, and there’s nonetheless no finish in sight.
Harbaugh mentioned he restricted gamers time outdoors to half of what it could usually be.
Jim Harbaugh mentioned the Chargers didn’t contemplate going to Houston early or discovering someplace to apply indoors.
Mentioned he adopted suggestions from “consultants” and restricted gamers time outdoors to half of what it could be usually be.
Harbaugh additionally sporting a LAFD hat. pic.twitter.com/w4jAlKDXPt
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 9, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick reportedly misplaced his residence within the fires. It’s unfathomable that Chargers gamers need to carry out in a playoff recreation when some are doubtless going through disaster at residence.
The NFL is already placing collectively a contingency plan for the Monday evening recreation the Los Angeles Rams are internet hosting in opposition to the Washington Commanders in case the circumstances worsen. The Chargers are hitting the street, however it will likely be onerous to take their thoughts off what’s occurring again residence.
