Tag: Daiyan Henley

Everything to know from Chargers’ preseason loss to Rams

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 13-9 loss to the Rams.

The Chargers fell to the Rams in the second of three preseason games on Saturday.

Here’s our recap of the Bolts’ 13-9 loss.

It was over when…

The Chargers failed to capitalize on two offensive possessions after the Rams scored their only touchdown to take the lead in the fourth quarter.

3 stars of the game

  1. RB Kimani Vidal: After missing the preseason opener, Vidal made his debut and showed why he deserves a roster spot. He finished with 49 yards on 11 carries (4.5 yards per rush) and two catches.
  2. WR Simi Fehoko: Fehoko led all receivers with 52 yards on two catches. But aside from his work as a pass-catcher, he made a big tackle on kickoff coverage and showed great effort as a blocker on offense.
  3. CB Deane Leonard: The defense continued to make plays, and Leonard led the way, finishing with two passes defended and an interception.

Quick hits

  • For the second straight game, the Chargers did not find the end zone. They were 0-3 in the red zone.
  • The offense turned the ball over three times, including a lost fumble at the Rams’ one-yard line.
  • Quentin Johnston finished the game with one catch for 19 yards. But he still showed some encouraging things. In the first quarter, he ran a double move to draw an illegal contact penalty. He was open down the field, but Easton Stick overthrew him. In the third quarter, he made an eye-popping catch near the sideline, but he came up out of bounds.
  • The defense was consistently around the football, breaking up seven passes.
  • However, the unit struggled to generate pressure throughout most of the game, only recording one sack and a quarterback hit.
  • The linebacker room was a bright spot. NaVorro Bowman’s group has made a handful of plays these past couple of games.
  • Cameron Dicker’s dominance continued as he made all three of his field goal attempts, including one from 55 yards out.

What’s next?

The Chargers close out the preseason next Saturday, Aug. 24, at 1:05 p.m. PT, when they will face the Cowboys at SoFi Stadium.

How Chargers rookies fared in preseason debut

Evaluating Los Angeles Chargers rookies after first week of 2024 NFL preseason.

The preseason is meant to evaluate players, and for a handful of them, this past week marked their first time playing in an NFL game. This included the Chargers’ draft picks in their loss to the Seahawks on Saturday.

Los Angeles was headlined by first-round pick offensive tackle Joe Alt, who had a solid performance. Alt played 21 snaps and only allowed one quarterback pressure. He showed good finesse in pass protection and power and movement skills in the run game to clear some lanes.

“It felt great,” Alt said, per the team’s official website. “It’s always good to get your first live play under your belt with the group you have the most experience with. It was good to be out there will all of them.”

Wide receiver Ladd McConkey and linebacker Junior Colson did not play as they’ve been working through some injuries.

Defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe played 30 snaps. Eboigbe didn’t have much of an impact, logging just one assisted tackle. The rookie out of Alabama has flashed at training camp, however, especially against the run.

Cornerback Tarheeb Still, who has been a summer standout, continued to make his case for the starting nickel spot. Still posted two pass breakups. But along with his cover skills, he flashed as a blitzer.

CB Cam Hart did not play.

Running back Kimani Vidal was in uniform for warmups, but was not suited up for the game.

Wide receiver Brenden Rice played the second-most snaps. He was targeted three times but failed to record a reception. A large part of that was due to inefficient quarterback play. There were many instances of Rice running great routes and being open. He had an aDOT (average depth of target) of 15.3.

WR Cornelius Johnson was on the field for just eight snaps.

Projecting the Chargers’ linebacker depth chart in 2024

Taking a crack at projecting what the Los Angeles Chargers linebacker room will look like entering the 2024 season.

Over the next few weeks ahead of training camp, I will continue to break down the depth chart for each Chargers position.

Quarterback

Running back

Wide receiver

Tight end

Offensive line

Edge rusher

Interior defensive line

Next, I project what the linebacker room will look like heading into the 2024 season.

Denzel Perryman

The Chargers needed a veteran presence in the linebacker room, so they signed Perryman. Perryman donned the powder blue and gold for the first six seasons of his career before playing with the Panthers, Raiders, and Texans. He has dealt with injuries throughout his NFL career, but when he is on the field, he provides the defense with a physical and hard-hitting presence when coming downhill.

Junior Colson

Jim Harbaugh got his guy in the third round of the draft. Colson was one of the leaders of Michigan’s defense last season. Now, given his talent and familiarity with Jesse Minter’s defense, he is expected to be the starting Mike linebacker. Colson is a rangy and explosive linebacker whose coverage skills are high-quality NFL traits. He has the speed to stay in phase with tight ends and running backs and is also effective in the run game.

Daiyan Henley

Henley was selected in the third round of last year’s draft. During his rookie campaign, Henley was primarily a special teamer. Heading into Year 2, he should push for playing time, as he offers reliability in coverage, something that Perryman isn’t equipped to do. The team likely envisions Henley starting alongside Colson.

Nick Niemann

While serving as a core special teamer, Niemann had the opportunity to start three games last season when former Chargers Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray were injured. He finished the year with 40 tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass defended and a fumble recovery. Niemann will make his money on special teams this season and can start in a pinch.

Troy Dye

Dye, a fourth-round pick of the 2020 NFL draft, spent the past four seasons with the Vikings. Dye reunites with Ryan Ficken, who was Minnesota’s assistant special teams coach (2020) and special teams coordinator (2021). With the Chargers, Dye will provide a special teams ace and depth at linebacker following the departures of Amen Ogbongbemiga and Tanner Muse.

NaVorro Bowman on Chargers’ linebacker room: ‘There’s no weak point in our room, everyone is hungry’

NaVorro Bowman spoke to the media for the first time.

Linebackers coach NaVorro Bowman spoke to the media for the first time at OTAs on Monday. First, he spoke about what attracted him to the Chargers’ job.

[Head] Coach [Jim] Harbaugh. I mean, I loved playing for him when I was in San Fran. We all were sad when he left. I took a hiatus and took five years away from football. I couldn’t get it out of my head. I didn’t want to jump back into it so fast, so I went to the college level. We had some showings in San Fran where Jim showed up. I would throw it across his ear and see what he says. He was like, ‘Yeah.’ No hesitation. I got myself prepared and started in that year-and-a-half at Maryland, just started really understanding the coaching side and being prepared for when the opportunity presented itself. I’m just blessed, man. Blessed to be here. Blessed for him to believe in me to do this job. I’m attacking it like I should.

Bowman expanded upon his profound respect for Jim Harbaugh and their relationship dating back to the San Francisco days:

I left it all out there on the field for him. Just his pre-game speeches and how he prepared us throughout the week, you just knew who you were coming to work for. Being able to understand his message and get his nod, his approval on how I played, it’s my job to get guys to play that way and do the things that he expects us to do — or the players to do, I should say. I think I’m going to that. I think I fit right in. The guys just enjoy everything that we have going on right now.

The new Chargers’ linebackers coach also spoke extensively about rookie Junior Colson and how he’s fit into the team up to this point:

Let me tell you about Junior (Colson), okay? We’re in meetings and he’s answering every single question. We knew that when we drafted him that he’s going to be familiar with the defense. Just to have a young guy speak so confidently and see the heights that the other young guys can reach, he’s there to settle them down and really say, ‘Hey, Coach is talking fast, but it’s just this.’ Just to have a guy like that who understands the scheme and just really needs to learn how to be a pro — I think that’s where I come in. Just teach them how to be a pro. Teaching him certain things that he can do in certain defensive calls. When you can kind of take a gamble here and there and just off the field. Understanding your body has to last you 17 weeks in the regular season and so forth in the playoffs. Just getting him used to playing so many games, meeting so much and doing the little things. Not assuming that you have it already because you were in the system, but doing the extra work. I think that’s going to be the evolution of his game — learning how to be a pro.

Bowman would go on to say he thinks it’s too early to tell if Colson would be getting the green dot at some point. However, he did say that the rookie obviously has a “step forward” in learning the scheme,

Bowman also had high praise for Denzel Perryman in his return to the Chargers, mentioning that he “plays the right way”. He also noted that he’s set an example for Daiyan Henley and Colson.

He’s a 10-year vet and he’s doing the things that a lot of 10-year guys that I played with wouldn’t do. He’s approaching it the right way and we’re glad to have him.

Previewing Kansas City’s Week 7 game vs. Chargers on Chiefs Wire Podcast

On the latest episode of @TheChiefsWire podcast: @EdEastonJr’s chats w/ #Chargers LB Daiyan Henley & @TheChargersWire’s @GavinoBroquez #LACvsKC

We’re back with an all-new episode of the Chiefs Wire podcast! This week, we’re previewing the Kansas City Chiefs Week 7 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

We check in with this past week’s press conferences featuring comments from linebacker Nick Bolton, kicker Harrison Butker, and head coach Andy Reid as they look for back-to-back home victories against an AFC West rival.

We also flashback to Ed Easton Jr.’s NFL Draft Combine conversation with Los Angeles Chargers linebacker and former Washington State star Daiyan Henley. Lastly, Chargers Wire managing editor Gavino Broquez breaks down Los Angeles’ strengths heading into Sunday’s game.

Listeners can look forward to being well-informed about the Chiefs’ mindset heading into another Thursday Night Football game. We check in on Henley’s thoughts on former college teammate Jaylen Watson’s Super Bowl experience and the Chargers’ likely game plan to try and pull off the upset in Kansas City.

Check out the link below to get your fill of Chiefs talk ahead of Sunday’s kickoff:

Chargers Week 3 injury report: Thursday

The Chargers had four non-participants.

The Chargers had their second practice before Sunday’s matchup with the Vikings on Thursday.

Here’s a look at the team’s injury report:

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
EDGE Joey Bosa Hamstring LP DNP
RB Austin Ekeler Ankle DNP DNP
LB Daiyan Henley Hamstring LP FP
LB Eric Kendricks Hamstring DNP DNP
EDGE Khalil Mack NIR — Rest DNP FP
EDGE Chris Rumph II Hamstring LP FP
WR Mike Williams Ankle FP FP
DT Christopher Hinton Back —– DNP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation; FP: Full participation

Austin Ekeler remained out of practice while he continues to nurse an ankle injury.

Joey Bosa did not practice but he worked off to the side. Eric Kendricks was not at practice, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Daiyan Henley and Chris Rumph, who missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, were full participants.

Christopher Hinton popped up on the injury report with a back issue.

Wednesday’s injury report for Chargers ahead of matchup vs. Vikings

The Chargers had three non-participants and three limited participants.

The Chargers had their first practice before Sunday’s matchup with the Vikings on Wednesday.

Here’s a look at the team’s injury report:

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
EDGE Joey Bosa Hamstring LP
RB Austin Ekeler Ankle DNP
LB Daiyan Henley Hamstring LP
LB Eric Kendricks Hamstring DNP
EDGE Khalil Mack NIR — Rest DNP
EDGE Chris Rumph II Hamstring LP
WR Mike Williams Ankle FP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation; FP: Full participation

Brandon Staley had no update on Austin Ekeler and Eric Kendricks, who both missed last weekend’s game against the Titans.

Daiyan Henley, who has missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, was on the practice field going through individual drills, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Khalil Mack had a veteran’s rest day. There was no update on Chris Rumph.

Chargers’ Joey Bosa, Austin Ekeler miss second straight practice ahead of Week 2 vs. Titans

The Chargers had three non-participants on Thursday.

The Chargers continued their preparation on Thursday for their game against the Titans this weekend.

For the second consecutive day, Joey Bosa and Austin Ekeler were not on the practice field.

Bosa has not practiced as he’s dealing with a hamstring injury. Ekeler is nursing an ankle injury and missed Wednesday’s practice because he was in attendance for agent Cameron Weiss’ funeral.

If Bosa can’t go, rookie Tuli Tuipulotu will start opposite Khalil Mack. If Ekeler were to miss the game, Joshua Kelley would get the bulk of the touches.

Eric Kendricks was also a non-participant for the second straight day. Kendricks has a hamstring injury but was listed as out for personal reasons.

If Kendricks is unavailable, either Amen Ogbongbemiga or Nick Niemann would be in line to start next to Kenneth Murray.

Chris Rumph and Daiyan Henley were limited participants, both dealing with hamstring injuries.

Wednesday’s injury report for Chargers ahead of matchup vs. Titans

The Chargers had five players on the first injury report.

The Chargers had their first practice before Sunday’s matchup with the Titans on Wednesday.

Here’s a look at the team’s injury report:

Player Injury Wednesday Thursday Friday Game Status
EDGE Joey Bosa Hamstring DNP
RB Austin Ekeler Ankle/Personal DNP
LB Daiyan Henley Hamstring DNP
LB Eric Kendricks Hamstring/Personal DNP
EDGE Chris Rumph  Hamstring LP

DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation; FP: Full participation

Brandon Staley said Bosa had some hamstring soreness after the game against the Dolphins and his status is to be determined.

If Bosa had to miss this weekend’s contest, rookie Tuli Tuipulotu would start opposite Khalil Mack. If Rumph is sidelined again, two will be elevated out of Andrew Farmer, Ty Shelby and Brevin Allen.

Ekeler is nursing an ankle issue he suffered this past Sunday in the loss against Miami. He was a non-participant on Wednesday as he was at the funeral of his agent, Cameron Weiss.

Staley said the same about Kendricks as he did about Bosa: he had hamstring soreness and his status is TBD.

Chargers’ final injury report ahead of matchup vs. Dolphins

The Chargers have two players listed as doubtful for Sunday’s contest against the Dolphins.

The Chargers had their final practice on Friday before the Week 1 matchup with the Dolphins.

Los Angeles will likely be without linebacker Daiyan Henley and edge defender Chris Rumph II, who are both doubtful.

They’re both dealing with hamstring injuries. Henley sustained his in the preseason finale against the 49ers, while Rumph injured his in practice on Wednesday.

With Rumph out, rookie Tuli Tuipulotu should see an uptick in snaps as a rotational piece. L.A. will likely call up an edge defender from the practice squad to fill Rumph’s void, like Andrew Farmer.

For the Dolphins, tackle Terron Armstead and defensive back Elijah Campbell are out. Cornerback Justin Bethel and tight end Julian Hill are questionable.