Chargers' Secondary Suffers Setback as Gus Edwards and Asante Samuel Jr. Placed on Injured Reserve

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

The Chargers have added running back Gus Edwards and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to injured reserve, sidelining them for at least four upcoming games.

Samuel's shoulder injury was unexpected. He practiced all week except for Friday, the day he was declared out. Coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned that this injury wasn't acquired during practice.

Originally, Samuel hurt his shoulder during a practice session before the team's Week 1 game, causing him to be uncertain for that game. However, he played and had not missed any game time since then.

The Chargers' secondary is already struggling with injuries, and losing Samuel worsens the situation. They will also be without starting nickel cornerback Ja'Sir Taylor, who has a fibula injury, for Sunday's matchup against the Broncos.

Given Taylor and Samuel's absences, rookies Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still are expected to take on bigger roles. If Deane Leonard, who has a questionable status due to a hamstring issue, is available, he might be next in line for an outside cornerback position.

Krisitan Fulton, who starts alongside Samuel, is also uncertain for Sunday due to a knee injury.

Edwards has been dealing with an ankle issue and missed practice sessions, though he briefly appeared on the field with a trainer on Friday. Harbaugh anticipates that rookie running back Kimani Vidal will see his first game action this season on Sunday.

Running back Hassan Haskins, who joined the team after training camp, is expected to have a more prominent role behind J.K. Dobbins.

Additionally, the Chargers have reactivated linebacker Nick Niemann from injured reserve, added safety Tony Jefferson to the active roster, and elevated cornerback Dicaprio Bootle from the practice squad for the game against the Broncos.

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