Jared Cook, Chargers tight ends shine against Raiders

COSTA MESA — Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert often recites three names when asked why the offense is playing well this season.

The mismatches that tight end Jared Cook and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have created have made life easier for Herbert and the second-year quarterback makes sure they get their share of the credit for the team’s 3-1 start.

“When you spread the ball out between Keenan, Jared Cook and Mike Williams, it doesn’t get much tougher than that,” Herbert said.

Herbert converted critical third downs by targeting Allen in the season opener at Washington. In Week 3, Herbert went to Williams for the game-winning touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Cook was next in Herbert’s rotation and the veteran tight end delivered his best performance as a Charger during Monday’s victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Herbert arced a pass above Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman’s head to connect with Cook on fourth-and-2 near midfield to move the chains and steal momentum from the Raiders in the fourth quarter.

Cook said he knew the ball was coming his way because of his 6-foot-5 size advantage against the 5-foot-11 Perryman, who played for the Chargers from 2015-2020. Perryman tangled with Cook’s right arm, but Cook hauled in the pass with his left hand.

“We knew what it was immediately,” Cook said of the one-on-one situation. “That we had the perfect play. I knew in that moment that Justin was probably gonna come to me. … It was just perfect, right over his ear and I was able to secure it. A good throw by Justin.”

Cook had six catches for a team-high 70 yards and recorded his first touchdown as a Charger in the second quarter. The Raiders limited Allen to seven catches and 36 yards and Williams had one reception for 11 yards.

The Chargers’ two best wide receivers had quiet outings, but the trio of tight ends stepped up, displaying the team’s offensive depth.

Tight end Donald Parham Jr. had a 4-yard touchdown in the first quarter and tight end Stephen Anderson had a 34-yard reception to set up Cook’s touchdown in the second quarter.

“Just confidence,” Cook said about why Parham has improved this season. “He loves the game of football, continues to learn and he just continues to get better in different situations. He came on big for us today and he continues to come on big for us in many things that we’ve asked him to do. Him and Stephen Anderson as well.”

Anderson also plays fullback for the Chargers and he’s a contributor on special teams. He came out of the backfield for his 34-yard catch.

“He’s been kind of a glue guy on offense,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said about Anderson. “He does a little bit of everything for us. He’s been outstanding in the kicking game and he’s a glue guy for us right now. He does a lot of jobs for us, and he caught a really good pass for us last night.

“He allows us to play the way we want to play. You need guys like that. Everyone’s got a role on the team. Everyone’s got value on the team.”

UPDATES ON HARRIS, BULAGA

Staley said he expects cornerback Chris Harris Jr. to be a full participant at practice this week after he missed the past three games with a shoulder injury.

“I know that he feels even stronger than he did last week,” Staley said about Harris. “Last week, he did practice. He was in pads and stuff like that. So I feel like he’s getting close. And just barring any setbacks, we anticipate him being out there for practice full all week long.”

Chargers right tackle Bryan Bulaga is eligible to return from injured reserve, but Staley said he doesn’t have a timeline for his return. Bulaga has missed the past three games with a back injury.

The Chargers had a walk-through workout Wednesday instead of a normal practice to accommodate for the short week after the Monday night game.

CHARGERS UPDATE GAMEDAY POLICY

The Chargers updated their gameday COVID-19 policy at SoFi Stadium to comply with L.A. County Department of Public Health’s latest requirement for stadium events with at least 10,000 spectators.

Fans may present any of the following as proof of vaccination:

• A physical vaccination card that includes their name, the type of COVID-19 vaccine received and the date the last dose was administered

• A physical photo/copy of their vaccination card

• A photo of their vaccination card stored on a phone/electronic device

• Documentation of their full vaccination against COVID-19 from a healthcare provider