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The Los Angeles Chargers had an early exit from the postseason last year. And like every other team, analysts are looking at every possible explanation for the lack of success.
The low hanging fruit for many teams is, “What if we could have stayed healthy?” And while injuries are not always someone’s fault, it does not stop many from speculating if better injury prevention methods could have prolonged the Chargers’ postseason run last winter.

The Chargers did, in fact, have issues with injury last season as every other team seemingly does. Some are now asking what Los Angeles is going to do about it.
Craig Ellenport of Athlon Sports asked as much in his three biggest questions for the Los Angeles Chargers. Ellenport’s first question was, “What are the Chargers doing to avoid injuries?”
Here’s what Ellenport discussed on that topic.
“There’s no telling what the Chargers could have done if the 2025 team was healthier. In addition to Slater and Alt going down, rookie running back Omarion Hampton — who was expected to be a major offensive weapon — missed seven games with multiple injuries. Hampton rushed for 643 yards and three touchdowns in limited action, adding 16 receptions for 136 yards and another score.

Harbaugh’s offseason focus was on learning best practices to get his players into position to optimize their health. Freak injuries are always going to happen, but Harbaugh brought in specialists to improve players’ sleeping habits — he specifically talked about circadian rhythm — as well as consultants to determine the optimal time of day for practice.”

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The health of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater along the offensive line may ultimately play a bigger role than keeping any of the Chargers’ running backs healthy, but all injuries affected the team’s ceiling.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has his quirks, and it’s uncertain if optimizing his players’ circadian rhythm is one of those quirks or something that will actually help prevent injury. What is for certain is, improving sleep is worth a shot.

Sleep has long been known to benefit several aspects of how the body functions. And while improving sleep quality may not prevent injury it may have an impact on player performance. If it does, Los Angeles will achieve a tremendous side benefit from Harbaugh’s new implemented plan.
Injuries may be out of the Chargers’ control. Even so, Harbaugh and company are doing what they can to prevent it. They will hope to stay healthy over the 2026 season.
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