The Los Angeles Chargers have placed 2024 third-round pick Junior Colson on injured reserve without a return designation, meaning his 2025 season is already over. That is a devastating blow for the Chargers, but an even bigger one for Colson himself.
After a quiet rookie season that was marred by injuries, fans barely saw anything out of the former Michigan standout. Already behind the 8-ball early, this is a huge setback for the 22-year-old.
Remember how happy Chargers fans were to draft this kid? After playing under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, it seemed like an outstanding choice at the time, as it also filled a big need. You didn't have to go too far to see people saying it was one of the best picks of the entire draft.
But now? All of that seems moot. It all seems wrong. And it will be, unless Colson can turn things around and fix the narrative that is already placed on him as an "injury-prone" football player. Fortunately, he is still quite young, so time is certainly on his side. But he is going to have to get back and not only be healthy next summer, but as productive as possible, as he is already down and counted out by almost everyone at this point.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh asked last week if LB Junior Colson reaggravated his earlier preseason injury: "Mmm. Don't know the answer to that."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) August 27, 2025
Colson was placed on reserved/injured today, ending his 2025 campaign. pic.twitter.com/0uQljOqD3b
In a positive piece of news to this story, undrafted free agent Marlowe Wax, who played incredibly well for the team in the preseason, has cracked the 53-man roster for the team. Wax and Troy Dye will back up projected starters Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley at the inside linebacker position.
READ: Chargers' most surprising cut comes at the running back position
As for Colson, fans can only hope this isn't already the end.
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