Roster Moves: Chargers activate Njoku and Perryman from injured reserve

The Los Angeles Chargers opened the 21-day practice window for tight end David Njoku and linebacker Denzel Perryman on Wednesday, signaling that both players are closer to returning to the active roster from injured reserve.

Njoku suffered a fibula injury during Week 2, a 26-14 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. He had recorded six receptions in his first two games before being carted off the field in the second quarter. That injury forced him to sit out at least four games. Perryman, who tore a pectoral muscle during training camp, was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 1. He spent the past several weeks working on the sidelines and was cleared to resume full participation on Wednesday.

The move restores depth at two positions that have been thin. If healthy, Njoku will form a three-man rotation with Oronde Gadsden and Charlie Kolar, giving quarterback Justin Herbert an additional target. Perryman will join Daiyan Henley and Del’Shawn Phillips at linebacker. Perryman’s return may be hastened by a shoulder injury Henley suffered during the Chargers’ 24-9 loss to the Rams on Sunday. Henley left the field briefly but returned to record five tackles.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh said the team is managing Henley’s participation carefully. “We just feel it’s best (for Henley) not to practice outside of the walk-through,” Harbaugh said. The coaching staff is focusing on maintaining momentum while players work through minor issues.

The Chargers are 0-7, a record that has drawn attention to the mental state of the squad. Harbaugh acknowledged the pressure but rejected the idea that the team is overthinking its approach. “I’m doing really great,” Harbaugh said. “What I am is determined, strong and highly motivated, and that’s what I see in our team.” He described the players as having a strong mindset and urged them to keep pressing forward.

When asked if the team might be trying too hard, Harbaugh pointed to a common sports adage. “Fortune favors those who press on,” he said. “When things aren’t coming that easy and they rarely do in this league, you’re going to press, you’re going to try harder.” He emphasized that the message for the week is to drive harder and focus on making practice a productive day.

Trade speculation remains a background issue for the franchise. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack, a nine-time Pro Bowler and 13-year veteran, is the most frequently mentioned name in trade rumors. The league’s trade deadline is set for next Tuesday at 1 p.m. PT. Mack has dismissed the chatter, saying he prefers to be “where my feet are.”

Harbaugh did not rule out a trade but expressed a clear preference for keeping his veteran leader. “I’m focused on the Texans,” Harbaugh said, referring to the next opponent. “Joe, Chad and the organization are always looking to improve the team. I want Khalil Mack here. He wants to be here. He’s one of the pillars of our team.” He identified Joe Hortiz, the general manager, and Chad Alexander, the assistant general manager, as the key decision makers.

Hortiz has not addressed the deadline for reporters and is not expected to do so in the near future. While the front office is always evaluating options, it is not expected that the Chargers will be major sellers before the Tuesday deadline.