The Catch With The Los Angeles Chargers Is That They Are Thin At Receiver And Need Some Help

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is usually tasked with finding an open receiver. But considering the Chargers’ dire straits, that responsibility now falls on general manager Tom Telesco.

The Chargers’ pass-catching unit is being held together with glue, tape and hopes for a better day.

There’s few receivers wearing bolts that aren’t ailing, ranging from Pro Bowler Keenan Allen (hamstring) and Mike Williams (ankle), to backups Jalen Guyton (knee) and Joshua Palmer (concussion).

Allen and Palmer could return when the visiting Chargers play next on Nov. 6 against the Atlanta Falcons. Williams could miss a month, while Guyton is out the balance of the season.

With Herbert being hamstrung in having viable targets, its imperative Telesco is active leading to Tuesday’s NFL trading deadline.

Coach Brandon Staley said earlier in the week that the Chargers aren’t against going outside the organization to fill the need.

“We are always going to look for avenues to enhance our team and make it better,’’ Staley said. “If those avenues are possible, then we’ll definitely explore them.’’

There’s little mystery that wide receivers are available and being moved. The question is why the Chargers are dragging their feet while others are shoring their rosters up.

The AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs acquired wide receiver Kadarius Toney from the New York Giants, surrendering two draft picks on Thursday.

Earlier the Arizona Cardinals landed wide receiver Robbie Anderson from the Carolina Panthers for two picks.

Other potential targets for Telesco are the New Orleans Saints’ Marquez Callaway, the Houston Texans’ Brandin Cooks, the Carolina Panthers’ Terrace Marshall, the Washington Commanders’ Curtis Samuel and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Chase Claypool.

It’s unlikely the Denver Broncos would trade within their division, but there’s talk that wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler could be moved.

In the name of Keenan McCardell and Chris Chambers, Telesco needs to spring into action.

That’s what A.J. Smith, the Chargers’ former general manager, did with two bold moves in acquiring McCardell in 2004 and Chambers in 2007.

The two veteran receivers gave the Chargers a significant lift, and supplied needed depth, after being obtained in two seasons that then-San Diego went on to win the division.

The Chargers started this season with their eyes of the postseason. But injuries to their wide receivers, among other bugaboos, have put that aspiration in jeopardy.

Plugging in a solid receiver would ease the stress Herbert is under, and just maybe jump-start the offensive side of the ball.

Tom Telesco, you’re on the clock and have until Tuesday to fill a glaring need.