The San Diego Chargers are clearly the best team in the AFC West. If you put San Diego's best up against Kansas City, Denver or Oakland, the Chargers are winning every time.

That may be the case but on Monday, Sept. 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs, they'll be missing starting left tackle Marcus McNeill and number one wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

The Chargers placed both on the roster exempt list meaning they'll have to miss at least the season opener when/if they sign, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune.

Meanwhile, as of Friday night, Jackson and McNeill are now on the Roster Exempt List. That means they will miss at least the season opener, a distinction that is almost certainly moot based on the belief the pair is prepared to sit out most, if not all, of the season.

Some are reporting it's a three-game suspension but it appears the CBA says, as of now, it would just be the season opener. Both players, however, are reportedly willing to sit out the entire season. Either way, it's good news for Tamba Hali.

Jackson's also suspended.the first three games of the season for violating the league's personal conduct policy (but he could serve them at the same time). The Chargers have also granted the Seahawks permission to talk to Vincent Jackson about a trade. It's possible the best receiver in the AFC West may not be around for long.

Also, it looks like Tra Thomas, veteran offensive tackle signed this offseason, is planning to retire.

Could you imagine the Chiefs going into the season without Branden Albert and Chris Chambers or Dwayne Bowe?