2023 Los Angeles Chargers season

The 2023 season was the Los Angeles Chargers' 54th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 64th overall, their eighth in the Greater Los Angeles Area, their fourth playing their home games at SoFi Stadium, their tenth and final under general manager Tom Telesco and their third and final under head coach Brandon Staley. The Chargers failed to improve on their 10–7 record from the previous season following a Week 12, 10–20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. They then guaranteed a worse record following a Week 14, 7–24 loss to the Denver Broncos. With a Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills, the Chargers were eliminated from playoff contention.

Already struggling with a 5–7 start, the Chargers were dealt with a devastating blow when they lost franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert following a week 14 loss to the Denver Broncos to a broken finger. Los Angeles lost 7 games decided by 3 points or less, the most in the NFL.

Futures
Shortly after the end of their 2022 season, the Chargers signed twelve players on their practice squad to reserve/future free agent contracts.

Retirements
Free safety Nasir Adderley announced his retirement on March 16. Adderley was drafted by the Chargers in 2019 and appeared in 50 games in four seasons.

Practice squad elevations
Each NFL team is permitted to elevate up to two players from the practice squad to the active game day roster per week, with those designated players being allowed to return to the practice squad up to two times without being exposed to waivers. If a practice squad player is elevated to the game day roster for a third time, that player will be required to clear waivers before returning to the practice squad. Teams are also permitted to protect a maximum of four practice squad players to prevent opposing teams from signing those players to their active rosters.

Injuries

 * July 26: Wide receiver Jalen Guyton, defensive lineman Austin Johnson, and defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia were placed on the PUP list.
 * August 16: Cornerback Kemon Hall was waived with an injury designation.
 * August 17: Defensive lineman Austin Johnson was activated from the PUP list. Kemon Hall was placed on injured reserve.

NFL draft
Notes

Preseason
The Chargers' preseason opponents and schedule were announced on May 16, 2023. The Chargers held joint practices with the New Orleans Saints on August 17 and 18 at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, California.

Schedule
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Week 2: at Tennessee Titans
The Chargers blew an 11–0 lead and lost to the Titans, 27–24, in overtime, on a 41-yard field goal by Nick Folk. With the loss, the Chargers fell to 0–2.

Week 13: at New England Patriots
The Chargers defeated the Patriots for the first time since 2008, and in Foxborough for the first time since 2005.

Week 14: vs. Denver Broncos
In addition to losing the game, the Chargers lost quarterback Justin Herbert for the rest of the season to a finger injury in the 2nd quarter. This would be the last game Keenan Allen will play for the team as he was traded in the 2024 off-season.

Week 15: at Las Vegas Raiders
The Chargers suffered one of the worst losses in franchise history, as the Raiders set a franchise record for most points scored in a game just four days after being shut out. The Chargers turned the ball over five times and allowed 35 points off turnovers. The day after the game, the Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco. They extended their losing streak in Las Vegas to 3 games.

Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills
With this loss, the Chargers were eliminated from playoff contention.