Not that long ago, Los Angeles Chargers undrafted linebacker Marlowe Wax was a player with a high ceiling who was going to be a victim of the numbers game and left off the 53-man roster. But after a tremendous preseason, the team could not ignore what it might have.
Suddenly, Wax has not only made the 53-man roster, but he stands a strong chance to make his defensive debut this Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders. He played in the team's opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, but was relegated to special teams.
Denzel Perryman suffered a high ankle sprain last Friday night and almost certainly won't play in Week 2. With Del'Shawn Phillips also dealing with a toe injury, Wax should have a chance to see the field against the Raiders in relief of either Daiyan Henley or Troy Dye.
It's been a meteoric rise for Wax, but for those who saw him in the preseason, it's quite exciting to think about him getting a shot to get into a game.
Marlowe Wax wrapping up a strong summer pic.twitter.com/n8YK4SIUc7
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) August 24, 2025
Wax became a fast fan favorite due to his effort on the field as he was determined to make plays. He was a consistently solid player in college at Syracuse, racking up over 200 career tackles, 21 sacks and two interceptions. Still, he was a deep longshot to do anything but make the practice squad for the Chargers and now, he has a chance to begin penning one of the better feel-good stories of the entire NFL season.
READ: Chargers take brother of current player in first round of 2026 mock draft
The Chargers may be without Perryman and Phillips for at least one game, but Wax could quickly show the coaching staff and the front office that the team may have a future star in him.
MORE CHARGERS CONTENT
Chargers release former first-round pick and running back, sign new linebacker
NFL Power Rankings: L.A. Chargers join league's elite following huge Week 1 win
Who are the Los Angeles Chargers' team captains for the 2025 season?
Los Angeles Chargers' season-opening history with Chiefs casts a shadow on trip to Brazil
Chargers bring back wide receiver amid flurry of practice squad moves