The Los Angeles Chargers activated safety Alohi Gilman from injured reserve on Saturday, as reported by Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Gilman, who has been sidelined since November 30th due to a hamstring injury, participated in limited practice throughout the week following his designation for return.
While Gilman’s activation increases the possibility of his return for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, his status remains uncertain. If he is unable to play, veteran safety Tony Jefferson is expected to retain his starting role.
How Alohi Gilman’s Return Affect The Chargers Defense
But his return will be a knock-on benefit, especially now heading into the playoffs. The Chargers secondary has struggled to stay healthy, which has caused the team to add alternates from the waiver wire. Cornerbacks Asante Samuel Jr. and Eli Apple as well as, safeties Marcus Maye and Elijah Molden are all currently on injured reserve. Furthermore, not one member of their secondary has played in all 16 games played so far this season. All starters but rookie sixth-rounder Tarheeb Still and Derwin James have missed time due to injury.
Gilman earned a second contract under the new front office and coaching regime after having a standout contract year in 2023. This season he was off to another good start.
Perhaps the biggest contribution Gilman offers (as well as Molden, when he was healthy) is unlocking what Derwin James can do as a ‘queen’ on the chess board. James is at his best when he is moved around — to the slot, to the box, on the defensive line, as well as a traditional safety. With Gilman back in, they will be able to continue to offer sound deep coverage, while James patrols closer to the line of scrimmage.
James has been one of the big reasons the Chargers’ defense has been so successful this year. He is among a handful of safeties who are graded highly in all defensive categories by Pro Football Focus. He is the only one in the top 10 of all five of those categories.