All eyes on Chargers rookie Nasir Adderley in his first game

At long last, the second pick of the Chargers from the 2019 NFL Draft, Nasir Adderley, is set to make his preseason debut.

It seems like forever ago Chargers fans, coaches, and media alike were giddy over the selection of Delaware free safety Nasir Adderley. Rightfully so: He was replacing a repeatedly out of position player on defense, was Pro Football Focus‘ highest-graded college safety, and was taken as a second-round steal. The talent was there, the need was there, and even the value of the pick was there.

But, Adderley has yet to take a single snap in any of the Chargers’ first three preseason games due to a hamstring injury, which can be one of the trickiest setbacks to recover from. He got as close as suiting up for the game and going through pregame warm-ups last Saturday, but did not make an official appearance on the field.

This week, that all changes:

Nasir Adderley will play a couple quarters Thursday night, per Anthony Lynn. #Chargers

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 27, 2019

Barring the coaches being way more impressed with Adderley than assumed, it’s unlikely the rookie safety will start the regular season as the Chargers’ starter at free safety. Rayshawn Jenkins has been in every preseason game and has been with the team for three seasons now, and has outright won the starting job based on availability alone.

Still, it’s exciting to get to watch what many fans felt was the Chargers’ best selection finally suit up and make plays. If his injury no longer limits him, then expect the same hard-hitting yet rangy defensive back to make a few plays once Jenkins has been pulled from the contest.

One thing to look out for: Due to the issues at corner (uninspiring play from reserves and the absence of Trevor Williams), it’s possible Adderley, who played both corner and safety in college, will take a few snaps at the position.