Early in the Los Angeles Chargers‘ spring camp practices, it was reported that their 2024 third-round pick, linebacker, Junior Colson left the field with the team’s medical staff. Nothing was further reported on his status, but this week it was announced that Colson was added to the Non-Football Injury List.
The Non-Football Injury or Illness List (NFI) is similar to the PUP list, but it is used for players who suffered injuries or ailments outside of NFL activities. Players who begin the season on NFI (as of cutdowns to 53-man rosters) can be activated after the team has played its first four regular season games.
Los Angeles Chargers Share Details of Junior Colson’s Non-Football Health Issue
Today, head coach Jim Harbaugh was asked about his status:
“He had a non football injury, appendicitis. He had appendicitis. It’s awesome when you catch those early He called Melanie, his mom and she diagnosed it pretty quick on the phone and got him right into a hospital and and he needed his appendix out.”
In terms of a timetable, Harbaugh was unable to give an update. According to the NHS, patients can usually return to work or normal activities within 1–3 weeks, although you may need to avoid more strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks.
The Chargers decided not to re-sign Eric Kendricks this offseason but added significant numbers to the linebacker corps. In addition to drafting Colson, they signed Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye. Daiyan Henley starts his sophomore season this year. He was a key special teamer in his rookie year, but scarcely played on defense.
Many see Colson as a front-runner for a starting job next to Denzel Perryman, in no small part due to his familiarity with Harbaugh and Jesse Minter’s defenses having played for both at Michigan.
