AP Sports Editor
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Jim Harbaugh says one of the hallmarks of a great team is when replacement players step up when they’re needed most.
Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still did it for the Los Angeles Chargers last week, and they’ll likely be counted on heavily again heading into Monday night’s game against Arizona.
Rookie cornerbacks would likely have to start again due to injuries. Asante Samuel Jr. is on injured reserve with a shoulder injury and Kristian Fulton strained a hamstring during the third quarter of 23-16 victory last Sunday in Denver.
Backup Ja’Sir Taylor has been inactive for the past two games due to a leg injury. Deane Leonard is primarily used on special teams, but also suffered a hamstring injury in Denver.
Fulton, Taylor and Leonard did not practice Wednesday. Eli Apple has been signed to the practice squad, but it remains to be seen how long it will take for him to get up to speed.
“You can see him preparing when the next player steps in and plays his best, sometimes it’s as good as the starter and that’s when the real magic starts to happen,” Harbaugh said. “The guys understand their opportunity is coming and they’re preparing for it.”
Hart made his first NFL start in Denver in place of Samuel and played all 55 snaps. With the Chargers starting the game at nickel, Still was at slot corner for the second straight game, but moved to an outside spot after Fulton’s injury.
Hart and Still were both selected in the fifth round. In addition to playing the same position, they were also roommates during training camp.
“I guess we bounce off each other, motivation-wise, knowing we have something to prove,” Hart said. “We’re pretty good no matter where we were picked in the draft and we just have to continue to show that for the rest of the season.”
Hart wasn’t targeted in coverage, but ended up making three tackles against Denver.
“He played very physical and covered well,” Harbaugh said.
Still is averaging 44 snaps in his starts over the last two games. He made a nice pass breakup on Bo Nix’s deep ball intended for Marvin Mims Jr. in the first quarter.
“I felt more comfortable there. I’m still adjusting, but the coaches have confidence in me,” Still said.
Hart and Still’s performances were two more in what has been a productive draft class in Joe Hortiz’s first year as general manager. Joe Alt, the fifth overall pick, has been a stalwart at right tackle and wide receiver Ladd McConkey, whom the Chargers moved up to get in the second round, leads the team in receptions (19) and receiving yards. reception (219).
Linebacker Junior Colson, a third-round pick, averaged 24 snaps in the three games he played and running back Kimani Vidal (sixth round) scored a touchdown on a 38-yard catch the last week, the first time he touched the ball. the NFL.
“I felt like all the recruits that were coming in were competitive. You don’t want to be too out of control or reckless, but you want to be competitive and show the coaches that you want it,” Still said. “Some people got their chance earlier than others, but everyone is going to get their chance.”
One of the biggest challenges for the defense, especially in the secondary, will be trying to contain Kyler Murray in scrimmages. The Chargers allowed six scrambles for 61 yards by Nix last week.
Murray is third among NFL QBs in rushing yards with 150 on 16 runs.
“We know he’ll extend the play sometimes, so when that happens, just plaster your man, stay on him and have good coverage,” Still said.
NOTES: Harbaugh said he received a call from his cardiologist Wednesday morning and his test results, which included a stress test Monday, came back positive. “An Athlete’s Heart was a direct quote from the cardiologist,” Harbaugh said. Harbaugh briefly left Sunday’s game due to an irregular heartbeat, which he said had been going on for a few days. Harbaugh will wear a heart monitor for at least the next few weeks, but said his heart has returned to a regular rhythm.
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