The Los Angeles Chargers dodged a serious bullet with veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman's lower-leg injury. He suffered a high-ankle sprain in the club's regular-season opening win over the Kansas City Chiefs and is reportedly "week-to-week." An early-to-mid October expected return timeline isn't ideal, though it could've been worse, and his absence gives others a chance to shine, like Kana'i Mauga.
Mauga was released by the Chargers at the NFL's 53-man deadline. However, they ostensibly kept him on standby, considering he's been brought back to their practice squad following the Perryman news, per an official team announcement. Running back Nyheim Hines was cut in a corresponding move.
we've signed LB Kana'i Mauga to the practice squad and released RB Nyheim Hines from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/yChEOPlkU3
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 9, 2025
It wouldn't be shocking to see the Chargers elevate Mauga to the active roster ahead of their upcoming primetime clash with the Las Vegas Raiders. Someone in the linebacker room must step up with Perryman out for the foreseeable future and 2024 third-round pick Junior Colson on season-ending injured reserve. Besides, the undrafted third-year pro presents a hidden advantage specifically for Week 2, which L.A. already knew when they made this decision.
Chargers reunite with LB Kana'i Mauga before Week 2 MNF showdown vs. Raiders
Before landing with the Chargers as a free agent this past offseason, Mauga spent the previous two campaigns in Las Vegas. He was primarily a special teamer, logging eight combined defensive snaps across 2023 and 2024. Nevertheless, his familiarity with the Raiders organization can certainly work in Los Angeles' favor, at least in some capacity.
Think about it like taking a test you already have the answers to; walking with an extra pep in your step, feeling unstoppable. That's the edge Mauga presents if he can offer the Bolts any behind-the-scenes insight on how the Raiders like to operate. He can counteract Perryman's production and leadership with insider information.
Yes, much has changed about the Raiders between last year and now. They've overhauled their front office and coaching staff, added two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Geno Smith and drafted a generational running back talent in Ashton Jeanty. But Las Vegas also still has plenty of familiar faces, namely superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
Crosby is a one-man wrecking crew capable of single-handedly flipping a game on its head. Slowing him down figures to be near or at the top of the priority list. Mauga learned some of his tricks and tendencies after countless practice reps together in Las Vegas, or so the Chargers hope.