Chargers players and staff struck with elevator malfunction ahead of Cowboys matchup: Report
The Los Angeles Chargers' preseason campaign hit another snag during their trip to Texas. The team reported on social media that a few players and other personnel were caught in a slightly alarming situation on Friday evening.
In a statement posted on X, the Chargers said about him stuck in an "inoperable" elevator at the team hotel:
"At approximately 7:30 pm CT Friday evening, several players and members of the Chargers traveling party were stranded in an inoperable elevator at the team hotel. Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to the incident and subsequently assisted everyone from the elevator, one-by-one, through its ceiling panel and into an adjacent elevator."
The team concluded its statement by expressing gratitude to the Dallas Fire-Rescue unit for their quick response and stellar work in ensuring the safety of everyone stuck in the elevator.
The incident encapsulates the Chargers' preseason campaign, which has been a disaster so far.
Chargers yet to find their footing
After a horrendous 2023 campaign, where they finished 5-13 and fired coach Brandon Staley after a 63-21 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, the franchise hoped for a turnaround in fortunes in 2024.
However, life under new coach Jim Harbaugh hasn't gotten off to a bright start. In late July, starting quarterback Justin Herbert suffered a right foot injury that left him in a walking boot for two weeks, disrupting the team's preseason plans.
Their preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium was a lopsided affair that finished 16-3 in the visitors' favor. The Chargers finished the game with only 198 yards of offense, a dismal debut for Harbaugh.
They fared slightly better against local rivals Los Angeles Rams in their second preseason outing but suffered a 13-9 loss, dropping to 0-2. They are scheduled to take on the Dallas Cowboys in their final practice game before the season commences, but the elevator incident has left a sour taste in their mouth.
It has been tough sledding for Harbaugh on his return to the NFL after leading the Michigan Wolverines to the National Championship. While preseason games are inconsequential and the losses don't mean anything, the lack of reps for Herbert in the new offensive scheme is a cause for concern.
Harbaugh and the Chargers have no reason to hit the panic button yet. However, the veteran coach and the team would've preferred a smoother start to their new stint together.