Chargers defensive tackle Austin Johnson was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after he passed his physical and practiced in individual drills on Thursday.
“Now we just have to build back up and make sure that we take our time,” Staley said on Johnson. “But definitely a good sign for us that he is back.”
Johnson suffered a fractured knee and MCL injury in Los Angeles’ Week 9 win over the Falcons and spent the remainder of the 2022 season on injured reserve.
Before he got hurt, Johnson was a cog in the middle of the defensive line. He was tied for the team lead in run stops with 14 and led the team in run stop percentage at 11.4%.
Having him back on the field will be critical as the Bolts look to improve their run defense from last season. They finished 27th, allowing 144.2 yards rushing per game.