On Wednesday, Jim Harbaugh told reporters ahead of practice that the team would be opening the 21-day activation windows for both tight end David Njoku and linebacker Denzel Perryman. Activating both of these players would leave the Chargers with three remaining activations from IR for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Njoke joined the Chargers as a free agent this offseason and began his tenure with the Bolts on a high note through the team’s first two games, catching five passes for 58 yards against the Raiders before leaving that game with an injury.

Advertisement

Perryman has been on IR since before the regular season began. In his place, former undrafted free agent Del’Shawn Phillips has been the starter in the middle alongside Daiyan Henley. His return would bring back a veteran presence with plenty of experience, which is a positive even if the defense has been getting by just fine through injuries to that side of the ball.

With the Chargers going down to three remaining activations this year, they will have to make some tough choices about who is worth bringing back and who isn’t. Right now, left tackle Rashawn Slater, safety Derwin James, offensive lineman Trey Pipkins, fullback Alec Ingold, and backup quarterback Trey Lance are all on IR.

Slater and James are certainly going to take two of those spots — if it’s even worth bringing them back in a season such as this — but who ends up being that last activation? Perhaps it is someone who hasn’t been injured yet. Holding it for later could actually be the smart choice.