MINNEAPOLIS -- For a third straight season, the San Diego Chargers are dealing with a rash of injuries along the offensive line that limit what they can do offensively.

It played a big role in their 31-14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium on Sunday.

The Chargers lost center Chris Watt, left guard Orlando Franklin and reserve guard Chris Hairston to injuries during the game, leaving a depleted offensive line that failed to protect Philip Rivers. The quarterback was sacked four times in a second straight loss on the road.

Rivers threw two interceptions, including a 91-yard interception for a score by linebacker Chad Greenway. He gave way to backup Kellen Clemens with a little over eight minutes left and the game out of hand.

Defensively, the Chargers allowed Adrian Peterson to rush 126 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

What it means: The Chargers fall to 1-2 on the season, getting blown out in a very winnable game against the Vikings. But San Diego has two straight home games against AFC North foes in the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers next, so they have a chance to get back into the hunt in the AFC West.

What were they thinking? The Chargers moved up in the first round to draft running back Melvin Gordon but don’t appear committed to giving him the football. Gordon finished with 58 yards on 15 carries.

One reason to panic: For a third straight game, San Diego’s offensive line has struggled to adequately protect Rivers. At some point, coach Mike McCoy has to adjust the protection, or Rivers might not make it through the season healthy.

Fantasy watch:Stevie Johnson entered the game with 11 catches for 127 yards on 12 targets so far this season -- good enough for the highest wide receiver reception percentage in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information. However, he had just one catch for 1 yard through three quarters and finished with three catches for 46 yards.

Ouch: Franklin suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return. Watt also left the game in the first quarter with a groin injury he's had. Trevor Robinson took over for Watt at center. Franklin was replaced at left guard by Hairston, who also had to leave the game with an injury. Hairston was replaced by San Diego’s only other healthy lineman available for the game, Kenny Wiggins. Cornerback Brandon Flowers was not active because of a knee injury that the team reported late in the week on Saturday.