News Summary The Los Angeles Chargers have made significant roster changes to strengthen their defense ahead of the upcoming game. Linebacker Emany Johnson has been elevated from the practice squad, and safety Tony Jefferson has been signed to the active roster following linebacker Khalil Mack’s injury. Johnson brings impressive college statistics, while Jefferson has been a valuable contributor since coming out of retirement. The team has also signed outside linebackers Clelin Ferrell and Rashad Weaver, along with long snapper Rick Lovato. These moves reflect the Chargers’ commitment to maintaining competitiveness this season. Los Angeles has seen significant roster changes as the Chargers make moves to bolster their defense ahead of the upcoming game. Notably, linebacker Emany Johnson has been elevated from the practice squad, while safety Tony Jefferson has been signed to the active roster following an injury to outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Emany Johnson, who originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, spent his initial time on the Cowboys’ practice squad. He joined the Chargers’ practice squad in November 2024. Johnson had a distinguished college career at Nevada, where he played from 2019 to 2023, participating in 55 games. He recorded an impressive 196 tackles, including 136 solo tackles, three interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. His standout performance in 2023 earned him a spot on the first-team All-Mountain West Conference after leading his team with 100 tackles and three interceptions. In a separate move, the Chargers have signed safety Tony Jefferson from the practice squad, taking the spot of Khalil Mack, who has been placed on Reserve/Injured due to a dislocated elbow. Mack’s injury will keep him out for at least four games. Jefferson, who had previously come out of retirement to join the Chargers in 2024, has been a key contributor on both defense and special teams. Over the last two seasons, he has started six games, registering 32 tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, and two passes defensed. The Chargers also made additional changes to their roster, signing outside linebackers Clelin Ferrell and Rashad Weaver to the practice squad. They have placed linebacker Denzel Perryman on Reserve/Injured as well. Meanwhile, long snapper Rick Lovato has been signed to the active roster after a brief stint on the practice squad, filling in for Josh Harris, who is currently on Injured Reserve. This round of roster changes comes as the team has signed a total of 17 players to the practice squad. In addition to the recent signings and elevations, the Chargers have placed one player on Reserve/Injured, designated two players for return, released eight players, and waived 25 others. Three players have been waived/injured, with two of them reaching an injury settlement, bringing the active roster to a total of 53 players. Moreover, the Chargers have acquired tackle Austin Deculus from the Houston Texans in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2027. Deculus, selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, is expected to add depth to the offensive line as the Chargers navigate the challenges of the ongoing season. These roster changes reflect the Chargers’ commitment to maintaining a competitive edge as they adapt to injuries and seek to enhance their team performance. With the elevation of young talent like Johnson and the return of a seasoned player like Jefferson, the Chargers aim to solidify their defensive capabilities for the remainder of the season. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Los Angeles Chargers Sign Rick Lovato as Long Snapper NFL Launches International Matchup with Chiefs vs. Chargers NFL Preseason Kicks Off with 16 Games This Weekend California High School Sports: Rising Stars in Football Additional Resources Chargers.com: Sign Tony Jefferson to Active Roster Google Search: Tony Jefferson NFL Chargers.com: Elevate Emany Johnson Wikipedia: Emany Johnson LA Times: Khalil Mack Injury Update Encyclopedia Britannica: Khalil Mack Yardbarker: Khalil Mack Outlook Google News: Khalil Mack Injury Update Chargers.com: Daiyan Henley Captain Illness
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