Tag: Los Angeles Chargers

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. (17) makes a catch during pregame warm ups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Free agent WR DJ Chark visits Chargers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Free agent wideout DJ Chark visited the receiver-needy Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, NFL Network reported.

Veteran receivers Keenan Allen (Chicago Bears) and Mike Williams (New York Jets) departed this offseason, leaving the Chargers with holes to fill in the passing game for quarterback Justin Herbert.

Chark, 27, caught 35 passes for 525 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games (11 starts) last season with the Carolina Panthers.

He has 212 receptions for 3,069 yards and 23 scores in 69 games (51 starts) with the Panthers, Detroit Lions (2022) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-21), who drafted the 2019 Pro Bowler in the second round in 2018.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers also have the No. 5 overall pick next week. Several mock drafts have them selecting a wide receiver, either Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. or LSU’s Malik Nabers.

The receivers currently on the L.A. roster include 2023 draft picks Quentin Johnston (first round) and Derius Davis (fourth) and three-year veteran Joshua Palmer.

–Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards (35) goes into the end zone for an early fourth quarter touchdown. The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted the Baltimore Ravens at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida Sunday Night, December 17, 2023. The Jaguars trailed 10 to 0 at the half and lost 23 to 7. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]

Reports: Chargers add RB Gus Edwards on 2-year deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Chargers made an addition on offense for new head coach Jim Harbaugh, with running back Gus Edwards expected to sign a two-year deal, multiple outlets reported.

ESPN reported the deal is for two years with no financial terms disclosed.

Edwards, 28, played the past five seasons for the Baltimore Ravens under head coach John Harbaugh, Jim’s brother. Edwards had a career-best 810 yards with 13 touchdowns last season in 17 games (nine starts).

He added 60 yards rushing on 13 carries in two playoff games last season.

In his five seasons in Baltimore, the undrafted free agent, who played at Miami (Fla.) and Rutgers, gained 3,395 rushing yards with 26 touchdowns on 699 carries in 69 games (26 starts). He added 30 receptions for 374 yards.

–Field Level Media

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates during the trophy presentation after the 34-13 win over Washington at the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Report: Chargers in ‘striking distance’ with Jim Harbaugh

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The Los Angeles Chargers are within “striking distance” of a deal to make Jim Harbaugh their new head coach, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

Harbaugh, fresh off a national championship at Michigan, is meeting with the Chargers for a second time Tuesday. He also has interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Chargers completed their first meeting with Harbaugh on Jan. 15. The former San Diego Chargers quarterback met with the Spanos family, who owns the team, at that time.

Harbaugh guided the Wolverines (15-0) to the College Football Playoff national championship in a 34-13 win over Washington earlier this month.

Harbaugh, 60, has a record of 89-25 at his alma mater Michigan and made three consecutive CFP appearances. He also coached at the University of San Diego (2004-06) and has a 118-46 record as an FBS head coach at Stanford (2007-10) and Michigan (2015-present).

Harbaugh went 44-19-1 as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14, including the 2012 NFC championship title and a loss to the Ravens and his older brother, Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh, in Super Bowl XLVII. Jim Harbaugh played in the league from 1987-2000 for four teams, including his final two seasons for the Chargers.

The Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco on Dec. 15. They finished 5-12, including 0-3 under interim coach Giff Smith.

Other big-name coaches have been linked to the vacancy, including former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel and former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) warms up prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers open practice window for DE Joey Bosa

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Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa was designated to return to practice Thursday, bringing him closer to a return from injured reserve.

Bosa, 28, last played Nov. 19 at Green Bay when he was carted off the field during the game’s opening series with a foot injury.

Thursday’s move opens Bosa’s 21-day practice window, although he was ruled out for a return this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Los Angeles still games remaining against the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs after Sunday.

Bosa has 20 tackles, 6.5 sacks and one forced fumble in nine games (five starts) this season.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Bosa has totaled 321 tackles, 67.0 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 93 games (84 starts). He was selected by the Chargers with the third overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.

The Chargers also have ruled wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) out of Sunday’s game, while cornerback Essang Bassey (concussion), and defensive lineman Nick Williams (shoulder) are questionable. Defensive back Deane Leonard (heel) and linebacker Tanner Muse (knee) are doubtful.

–Field Level Media

Jun 13, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James (3) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers S Derwin James Jr. (ankle) active vs. Chiefs

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Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. was listed as active for Sunday’s road game against the Kansas City Chiefs after nursing an ankle injury during the week.

James went through an on-field pregame workout before he was ruled eligible to play.

The Chargers (2-3) will be without safeties Alohi Gilman and Mark Webb Jr., adding significance to James’ ability to play. Also ruled inactive for the Chargers were cornerback Deane Leonard, running back running back Elijah Dotson, tight end Tre’ McKitty, offensive lineman Zack Bailey and defensive lineman Christopher Hinton.

The Chiefs (5-1) made it official before the game and activated wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr after he was acquired in a trade last week from the New York Jets.

Defensive end Charles Omenihu also was listed as active for the Chiefs after missing the first six games while on suspension for violation of the NFL’s conduct policy.

Kansas City listed five players as inactive: wide receiver Justin Watson, offensive lineman Mike Caliendo and defensive linemen BJ Thompson, Neil Farrell and Malik Herring.

–Field Level Media

Oct 16, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Raheem Layne (41) is taken out from the field during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers S Raheem Layne out for season with torn ACL

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Chargers safety Raheem Layne sustained a season-ending knee injury during Los Angeles’ 20-17 loss to the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Monday night.

Chargers coach Brandon Staley made the announcement Tuesday that Layne was going on injured reserve after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during a punt-return play in the third quarter.

“Raheem is one of our top special teams players,” Staley said. “This is a tough moment for him, but he’ll be back.

“He’s proven himself in two years that he can play in the league. Excited to get him back because he’s one of those tough, smart, dependable players that you need. But we’ll definitely pick it up around him. I thought he was having a good season for us.”

Layne had played 74 snaps on special teams and 76 defensive snaps this season. He was playing dime safety on Monday because of injuries in the secondary.

Layne, 24, was an undrafted free agent in 2022 who appeared in six games for Los Angeles that season and made two tackles. He had five tackles in five games (one start) this season.

–Field Level Media

Jun 13, 2023; Costa Mesa, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler set to return Monday

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was removed from the team’s injury report Saturday and is set to return for Monday night’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Ekeler, who hasn’t played since gaining 117 yards in a season-opening defeat against the Miami Dolphins, has been out with an ankle injury. He has led Los Angeles in rushing in each of the previous three seasons, gaining 915 yards on 204 carries in 2022.

In seven seasons, all with the Chargers, Ekeler, 28, has gained 3,844 yards on 827 carries with 35 touchdowns. Productive in the passing game as well, Ekeler has 393 career receptions for 3,495 yards and 29 TDs.

While Ekeler is back, star edge rusher Joey Bosa remains questionable with a toe injury. Bosa, who had six tackles and three sacks in limited action over the first three games of the season, was inactive for a Week 4 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders and used the bye week to make progress on his injury.

Quarterback Justin Herbert, who broke a finger on his left (non-throwing) hand during the 24-17 win over the Raiders on Oct. 1, also is off the injury report.

Chargers safety Alohi Gilman is doubtful with a heel injury. Tight end Donald Parham Jr. (wrist) is questionable, as is defensive lineman Nick Williams (back).

–Field Level Media

Aug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore watches during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys try to get back on track against former OC Kellen Moore, Chargers

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The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a dreadful performance and former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore would like to deliver some payback.

Moore now runs the Los Angeles Chargers’ offense after having the keys to the Dallas attack the previous four seasons. He’ll look to keep the scoreboard busy when the Chargers (2-2) host the Cowboys (3-2) on the Monday Night Football stage at Inglewood, Calif.

Moore was pushed out the door by Dallas coach Mike McCarthy after last season. There was a falloff in 2022 after Moore’s offense produced NFL-best figures of 31.2 points and 407 yards per game in 2021.

The revenge matchup comes after Dallas was walloped 42-10 by the host San Francisco 49ers last Sunday night. The Cowboys allowed a total of 41 points over their first four games before they had no answers against the 49ers.

“I’m pretty sure (Moore) wants to go out there and put it on us, but you’ve got to put on some perspective for what we just went through on Sunday and how we’re champing at the bit to get out there and get out next game, on the road, so we can kind of just get this taste out of our mouths,” Dallas safety Jayron Kearse said.

“We just went out there (against the 49ers) and had an all-time stinker for what this defense is about, and we’re ready to go out there and play against somebody as well. So I’m pretty sure he’s ready for it and we’re ready for it as well.”

There certainly won’t be any secrets after Kearse, star linebacker Micah Parsons and other Dallas defenders regularly practiced against Moore’s offense.

“It’s not uncommon in the league to have matchups where both sides know each other a little bit,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said.

McCarthy now calls the offensive plays for Dallas, and the club had a problematic night against San Francisco. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw three interceptions as the Cowboys totaled just 197 yards on offense and eight first downs.

“Continuity and consistency is obviously what we’re focused on,” McCarthy said Wednesday. “No. 1, you have to score points in this league.”

Dallas ranks eighth in scoring (26.8 points per game), just behind the Chargers (27.5). Los Angeles is fifth in total offense (388.8 yards per game) and the Cowboys are 17th (327.4).

The Chargers, who had a bye in Week 5, will get a boost Monday when standout running back Austin Ekeler returns after a three-game absence due to a sprained right ankle. Ekeler was hurt in Week 1 when he racked up 164 scrimmage yards (117 rushing, 47 receiving) in a 36-34 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

“I feel really good,” said Ekeler, who was a full practice participant on Thursday. “I felt like I probably could’ve played during the bye week if I had a game then.”

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert practiced Thursday and will play with a fractured left middle finger, an injury that occurred in a 24-17 home victory over the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 1. He has passed for 1,106 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception.

Los Angeles also will have star safety Derwin James Jr. (hamstring) after he was sidelined against the Raiders. He practiced in full on Thursday.

Pass rusher Joey Bosa (hamstring/toe) sat out practice Thursday. He missed the game against the Raiders. Safety Alohi Gilman (heel) also sat out practice, while tight end Donald Parham Jr. (wrist) and cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring) were limited.

Dallas outside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (neck) will be placed on injured reserve sometime before Monday’s game, McCarthy said. In addition, special teams ace C.J. Goodwin (pectoral) told reporters that he will be sidelined for four to six weeks. Both players were hurt against San Francisco.

Also missing Thursday’s practice were receiver/returner KaVontae Turpin (ankle) and safety Juanyeh Thomas (hamstring). Standout running back Tony Pollard (shoulder) was limited.

–Field Level Media

Sep 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett (7) runs after the catch against the Minnesota Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers survive cliff-hanger with Vikings on end zone pick

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Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. made a game-saving interception in the end zone with seven seconds to go, and the Los Angeles Chargers escaped with a 28-24 win over the host Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.

Justin Herbert completed 40 of 47 passes for 405 yards and three touchdowns for Los Angeles (1-2). Keenan Allen caught a career-high 18 passes for 215 yards, and he threw a touchdown pass on a trick play to fellow wideout Mike Williams.

Kirk Cousins completed 32 of 50 passes for 367 yards, three touchdowns and an interception for Minnesota (0-3). Justin Jefferson had seven catches for 149 yards and a touchdown, and Josh Oliver and K.J. Osborn caught one touchdown apiece.

The Chargers led 28-24 with less than two minutes remaining when they opted to go for it on 4th-and-1 from their own 24-yard line. Joshua Kelley took the handoff but he was stuffed on a run up the middle to give the Vikings a chance to win.

Minnesota marched to the Chargers’ 6-yard line in the final seconds. Cousins tried to fire a pass to T.J. Hockenson, but the ball was deflected and Murray came down with it in the end zone.

Allen surpassed his previous career high of 16 catches, which he recorded in 2020. He also moved into No. 2 on the franchise all-time list with 9,689 receiving yards, surpassing Lance Alworth (9,584) and trailing only Antonio Gates (11,841).

Los Angeles led 14-10 at the half thanks to two touchdown passes from Herbert to Donald Parham Jr.

The Chargers moved ahead 21-10 when Herbert zipped a pass behind the line of scrimmage to Allen, who planted his feet and lobbed a deep ball to a wide-open Williams for a 49-yard score.

Minnesota fought back to grab a 24-21 lead with 11:20 remaining. Jefferson caught a pass across the middle, evaded a would-be tackler and outraced the Chargers’ secondary for a 52-yard touchdown.

The Chargers responded with a touchdown on the next drive to go ahead 28-24. Vikings cornerback Akayleb Evans nearly intercepted Herbert, but the ball bounced off his hands and into the arms of Joshua Palmer for a 30-yard touchdown.

The Chargers might have sustained an important loss despite winning the game. Williams injured his left knee late in the third quarter and needed to be carted toward the locker room. He finished with seven catches for 121 yards and a score.

–Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) can't catch up to an overthrown pass while defended by Tennessee Titans cornerback Tre Avery (23) during their NFL game at Nissan Stadium Sunday afternoon, Sept. 17, 2023.

Chargers WR Mike Williams departs with knee injury

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams was carted off the sideline in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings with a left knee injury.

Williams caught a pass over the middle when he took a hit from Minnesota’s defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and grabbed for his knee. He was helped off the field before being taken to the locker room.

The Chargers’ big-play threat had seven catches before his injury for 121 yards and a touchdown. He entered with 12 receptions for 128 yards over the first two games of the season.

Williams, 28, missed four games last season with a high ankle sprain.

In addition, Chargers safety Derwin James was ruled questionable to return with a left hamstring injury.

–Field Level Media