The Los Angeles Chargers will have to battle the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 without starting safety Alohi Gilman. But in a move many expected, the team has called up veteran safety Tony Jefferson for the game.
Jefferson had a strong preseason after deciding to come out of a short-lived retirement and continue his career in Los Angeles. This will be his first action in the NFL (not counting the preseason) since a playoff game in the divisional round of the playoffs in January 2023 when he was a member of the New York Giants.
But the last time we saw Jefferson in a Chargers jersey, he put on a show in the preseason against the Dallas Cowboys. In that game, he led the team with 14 tackles while adding a sack and two interceptions. It was the kind of game that should have cemented him on the 53-man roster, and he was there initially, but the team moved him to the practice squad after cutting him following the trade to acquire Elijah Molden.
Chargers could be without several other star players in Week 2
Gilman may not be the only big name that misses this game. Joey Bosa, Ja'Sir Taylor and Joshua Palmer have all been listed as questionable. The team also brought linebacker Shaq Quarterman up off the practice squad in addition to Jefferson.
If any or all of those players miss this game, this might be the week to do it. The Panthers are one of the worst teams in the NFL and though the Chargers don't want to overlook them, the matchup suggests that this could be the week to allow guys to heal up.
The Chargers and Panthers kick off at 10:00 am PT and the game will be televised on CBS. Andrew Catalon and Tiki Barber will call the game.
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