The Los Angeles Chargers are tweaking and fine-tuning their roster ahead of their Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday, including the return of a couple of players from injured reserve.
Fresh off a surprising release of offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, the Chargers will elevate veteran safety Eddie Jackson and running back Jaret Patterson from the practice squad. In addition, both wide receiver Simi Fehoko and defensive back Eli Apple have been activated from injured reserve.
Some of these players could still land on the inactive list on Saturday depending on the game status of some players currently carrying questionable tags into the game.
One of those players is running back J.K. Dobbins. The team’s starting back is hobbled by an ankle injury, and according to the final injury report released by the Chargers on Friday, he is questionable for the game. Though Dobbins is expected to play, the team is getting Patterson ready just in case.
Wide receiver Quentin Johnston is also questionable but expected to be available. The only players the team will be without for sure, at least as of this writing, are Joshua Palmer and Ja’Sir Taylor.
Fehoko can step in for Palmer if he is able to play. He has just six receptions on the season but can be a big help on special teams. Patterson has suited up in just one game this season and has not carried the ball.
J.K. Dobbins questionable for Chargers, Gus Edwards will play
If Dobbins is unable to play or is slowed by the ankle, Gus Edwards will likely get most of the work for the Chargers on Sunday with rookie Kimani Vidal being sprinkled in.
Edwards will be back in the lineup after missing each of the team’s last two games with an injury. The last time he was on the field, he had his best game of the season, scoring two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos.
The elevation of Patterson means the team likely won’t elevate the recently-signed Ezekiel Elliott for this game, which many expected to be a possibility.
Apple has played in four games for the Chargers this season, making just two tackles. But the veteran has a lot of experience, having played in 11 playoff games in his career.
Most of these players could be inconsequential on Saturday, but the Chargers are making sure they have everything covered for the most important game they have played in two years.
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