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The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing for a playoff game on Sunday when they go on the road to take on the Houston Texans. Somehow, the Chargers will have to play the biggest game of their season as their home city is being ripped apart by wild fires. LA has taken on an apocalyptical feel this week as devastating fires have destroyed tens of thousands of acres around the city. The Chargers still held practice on Thursday from their home base in El Segundo, and even more than 20 miles away from where the fires burned in Pacific Palisades, the sky told an ominous story of the surrounding destruction.
Chargers players wore masks as they went through practice on Thursday. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said the team reduced time and intensity in outdoor practice because of the awful air quality. Just look at these pictures:
Taylor Heinicke (kneeling) among the Chargers players wearing a mask during walkthrough today as Chargers prepare to head to Houston this afternoon. Air quality definitely a concern today, 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 among players wearing masks today. Skies orange and some ashes flying around at practice pic.twitter.com/vV568jappn
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 9, 2025
ESPN reporter Kris Rhim showed the difference in air quality at practice from Wednesday to Thursday. The situation has been escalating by the minute over the last 48 hours, and there’s still no end in sight.
Harbaugh said he limited players time outside to half of what it would normally be.
Jim Harbaugh said the Chargers didn’t consider going to Houston early or finding somewhere to practice indoors.
Said he followed recommendations from “experts” and limited players time outside to half of what it would be normally be.
Harbaugh also wearing a LAFD hat. pic.twitter.com/w4jAlKDXPt
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 9, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers head coach J.J. Redick reportedly lost his home in the fires. It’s unfathomable that Chargers players have to perform in a playoff game when some are likely facing crisis at home.
The NFL is already putting together a contingency plan for the Monday night game the Los Angeles Rams are hosting against the Washington Commanders in case the conditions worsen. The Chargers are hitting the road, but it will be hard to take their mind off what’s going on back home.
Read Vox.com for more updates on the fires.
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