Trouble could be brewing between the LA Chargers and fourth-year cornerback, Asante Samuel, Jr.
Samuel was placed on injured reserve with what was believed to be a shoulder injury ahead of the Chargers' Week 6 game against the Denver Broncos. Samuel was eligible to return to the team in Week 10 against the Tennessee Titans but was not activated. He was also not activated for Week 11 or Week 12.
Heading into Qeek 13 against the Atlanta Falcons, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh finally answered questions about Samuel, albeit with a cryptic response: "No. I don't expect him back this week." When asked if Samuel will return to the team this season, Harbaugh said, "I don't know that." Harbaugh went on to say that he is “not in a place” to talk about the health of his star corner
Samuel was not activated for Week 13 and is not activate for Sunday’s Week 14 key matchup againstthe Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. Harbaugh said the organization told him to “only provide updates when needed” with Samuek. On Friday, Samuel himself entered the fray with a cryptic post on Instagram.
Asante Samuel Jr. on IG yesterday pic.twitter.com/rJ4IQ7Azik
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 7, 2024
What in the world is going on between Asante Samuel Jr. and the Chargers?
The first season of the Jim Harbaugh era for the Bolts has largely been drama-free which is a refreshing change given how contentious his exit from the San Francisco 49ers a decade ago proved to be.
It has seemed like not only the players, but the entire organization and the fan base have bought into the Harbaugh way. The results have spoken for themselves: the Bolts are likely headed to a playoff berth in year one of a rebuild.
That is why this Samuel news is so jarring, and confusing. It all seemed to be going so well. Harbaugh has openly and publicly praised Samuel and spoke of him as someone that the team was excited about. Samuel himself seemed happy back in June, calling Harbaugh and his staff “great people” and indicating that he was excited to work with them.
What on earth is going on? Despite some fans' dislike of Samuel’s tenure in LA, everything appeared to be going smoothly. So why the sudden placement on IR when Samuel practiced that week? Why the cryptic comments by Harbaugh while refusing to activate his CB? And why did Samuel post this:
Something is clearly up here, and it is showing the first true cracks in the armor of what has basically been a lovefest for the last eleven months. This is happening right before the team goes to Arrowhead and faces their number one foe in the AFC West. Sunday’s game against the Chiefs is tough enough given the injuries to the team and the stakes that are on the line, they don’t need this drama.
If everyone is not careful, this controversy may follow the team into the playoffs and into the 2025 off-season. Keep an eye on this one.