The Los Angeles Chargers are reeling in the passing game as of late. 

Can quarterback Justin Herbert and L.A.’s patchwork receiving core get itself back on track against one of the league’s more porous passing defenses? 

While the Atlanta Falcons are 4-4 and atop the NFC South, the team’s defense has been a constant source of headaches against the pass. 

The unit gave up 481 yards and three touchdowns against QB Joe Burrow and the Bengals in Week 7, and 317 yards and a Hail Mary touchdown to QB P.J. Walker and the Panthers in Week 8. 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 296 yards and two touchdowns in Week 6, and even struggling QB Tom Brady threw for 351 yards and a touchdown in Week 5. 

While the Falcons have an easy time keeping opposing offenses off the field with their run-heavy offense, the defense is at its worst when teams throw downfield. 

Part of this is due to injury. Cornerback A.J. Terrell is nursing a hamstring injury, and CB Casey Heyward is on injured reserve with a shoulder ailment. The team also missed safety Jaylinn Hawkins against Carolina last week. 

However, the Chargers have injuries of their own in the receiving core. While running back Austin Eckler should be good to go, the team’s top two wideouts, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, should miss the away game in Atlanta. The team also held tight end Donald Parham out of practice Thursday. 

Los Angeles may roll into Atlanta with the weakest receiving core the Falcons have seen all season. Though, never count out wideout Josh Palmer, who is good on the deep ball and was fully practicing for the Chargers this week. Eckler could also give the Falcons fits in the passing game. 

Herbert is going to need his receiving core to step up against a team that struggles against the pass if L.A. is to get to 5-3 on the season.