The Chargers are currently battling injuries in the secondary. Jim Harbaugh said on Tuesday that it was looking like Tarheeb Still would not play against the Titans. Over the weekend, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Still would miss 2-4 weeks with an MCL injury. Safeties Derwin James, Tony Jefferson, and Kendall Williamson all appeared on Wednesday’s injury report to varying degrees.
Cornerback Deane Leonard could return this week as the Chargers opened his 21-day practice window, but Los Angeles will probably err on the side of caution as they have with other returns from IR this season. Jesse Minter spoke to the media on Wednesday and talked about who could step up in the absence of Still and the safeties in the secondary.
Expect Chargers preseason star Nikko Reed to get some playing time on defense vs. the Titans.
”I think shout out to R.J. Mickens, he’s coming along really well,” Minter said of the rookie safety. “I do think Derwin (James) will be able to play there some.”
”I think Nikko Reed will get a real first opportunity, which I’m really excited about,” Minter said. ”Ja’Sir Taylor, those guys-he came into the game and did a good job for us on Thursday. We’ve got depth in that room, which we’ve talked about.”
”A lot of times, a fresh guy in there that hasn’t played a lot can bring a spark, bring some juice,” Minter said of Reed. “We know the type of player Nikko is, we’ve got a ton of confidence in him based on what he’s done. The players are excited to see him play based on what he’s did in the preseason and training camp and in practices. Super excited about that position and what we can get out of it.”
Reed has been a healthy scratch in all but one game for the Chargers due to roster size limitations. He played three special teams snaps and one defensive snap against Denver in Week 3.
In the preseason, Reed had two pass breakups, one interception, one tackle, and two run stops. He only allowed an opposing QB passer rating of 33.3 when targeted in coverage. Behind only Eric Rogers, Tony Jefferson, and R.J. Mickens, Reed was the fourth-highest PFF-graded Chargers defender in the preseason with an 88.3.
Considering the possible limitations of Williamson’s Achilles injury, it’s also worth noting that the former Oregon star played 29 special teams snaps in three preseason games.
Reed deserved to play some regular-season snaps, but the Chargers simply didn’t have the roster space to move around. In a season where TE Oronde Gadsden II and S R.J. Mickens have already balled their way out of the healthy scratch category, the UDFA nickel corner could be the next Chargers’ diamond in the rough to prove himself.