The Los Angeles Chargers will be without starting cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and one of their running backs, Gus Edwards, for at least the next four games. This would make them both eligible to return to the team in Week 10.
An ankle injury has hampered Edwards and he will have the next four weeks to see if he can recover. Samuel’s case is a bit more alarming since he was a full participant in Thursday’s practice and ended up on injured reserve with a shoulder injury two days later. late.
In Edwards’ case, many Chargers fans might see this as a blessing in disguise. So the free agent signing has been very ineffective for the team this season and his absence will open the door for the team to finally make rookie running back Kimani Vidal active.
The Chargers also have Hassan Haskins on the roster behind JK Dobbins, but this seems like the perfect spot to see what sixth-round pick Vidal can bring to the table.
The loss of Samuel is much more concerning, especially considering several other cornerbacks on the roster are also dealing with injuries. Kristian Fulton was able to practice during the week but should be able to go Sunday against the Denver Broncos. However, Deane Leonard has been limited in training due to a hamstring and Ja’Sir Taylor has already been ruled out.
I hope Asante Samuel Jr.’s shoulder situation is okay. I can’t remember the last time a Chargers player practiced in full on a Thursday, then went on IR the following Saturday.
– Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) October 12, 2024
This could allow two more rookies – Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still – to play against the Broncos and move forward.
The Chargers currently have as many injuries to key players as any team in the NFL and Jim Harbaugh is going to have to find out just how resourceful this team can be. After losing their last two games, the Chargers could see the start of the season derailed due to these injuries without good play from the players the team needs to turn to.
With Edwards and Samuel going on IR, the Chargers activated linebacker Nick Niemann from injured reserve while moving safety Tony Jefferson and cornerback DeCaprio Bootle from the practice squad to the active roster.
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