(This post has been updated with new information)
As the Los Angeles Chargers cruised to a spot in the NFL playoffs with a win over the New England Patriots on Saturday afternoon at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, coach Jim Harbaugh lost one of the key members of his secondary, former Washington Huskies standout Elijah Molden.
Late in the third quarter, the third-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft suffered a minor injury after he was forced to miss one game with a right knee injury, but was able to return to action. Just a few plays later, he suffered a non-contact injury to his left leg while backpedaling, which forced a cart to come out and help him off the field.
According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Molden suffered a broken fibula, which will end his season.
After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans, he was traded to the Chargers shortly before the start of the 2024 season and has enjoyed a breakout campaign under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Through 15 games in 2024, he’s set career-highs in tackles (75), pass breakups (7), interceptions (3), and fumble recoveries (2) as Harbaugh’s coaching staff has helped revive the Chargers in its first year at the helm. Molden’s rookie contract is up at the end of the season and if the injury keeps him out long-term, it could impact a potential return to Los Angeles or interest from other teams in free agency.