The injury bug hasn’t infiltrated the Los Angeles Chargers secondary entirely, but several starters from last week’s win against the Las Vegas Raiders on the injury report.
Starting outside corner Asante Samuel, rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still, starting nickel corner Ja’Sir Taylor, and starting safety Alohi Gilman all exited that game with injury concerns. Samuel and Still are cleared to play, but both Taylor and Gilman are listed as questionable.
Chargers Elevate Tony Jefferson from Practice Squad
Gilman played 98 percent of defensive snaps last week missing just one down and the fourth most plays among all Chargers. Taylor was in on 77 percent of all defensive snaps and the fifth most among Chargers defenders.
In response, the Chargers have elevated free agent addition Tony Jefferson from the practice squad. The Chargers signed him in mid-June of this year and he was subsequently released and signed to the practice squad.
Previously to being signed, Jefferson was a scout for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 after having played nine NFL seasons.
The 32-year-old played 109 snaps in two preseason games, 90 of which came against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. In that game, he played quality coverage and made several splash plays, including two interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble.
The Chargers also have AJ Finley and Elijah Molden on the roster at safety. Molden was traded to the team shortly before the season. He played 20 snaps against the Raiders, while Finley didn’t play a down on defense.
Who will replace Taylor is the larger question. The top candidates are Still and preseason standout Deane Leonard. Although Leonard played largely on the outside, he may be relied upon to step into the slot.
The other option would be to lean on their strong linebacking core and Derwin James.
