Chargers tight end David Njoku has played just two games this year, while linebacker Denzel Perryman has yet to take the field. Injuries have prevented the two veterans from contributing in 2026, but they could come off IR soon. The Chargers have designated Njoku and Perryman for return, giving them 21 days to activate either or both players (via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2).
Njoku began his career with a strong nine-year run in Cleveland, but the team let him go in free agency last offseason after Harold Fannin’s emergence in 2025. Two months after Njoku hit the market, he inked a one-year, $3MM deal with the Chargers in May. The plan then was for Njoku, Charlie Kolar and Oronde Gadsden to make up a formidable trio, but it hasn’t worked out. Of course, just about everything has gone haywire for the Chargers, who entered the season with playoff aspirations but have gotten off to a shocking 0-7 start.
Njoku caught all five targets for 58 yards in the Chargers’ season opener versus the Cardinals, but he played just 11 snaps in Week 2 against the Raiders before leaving with a fibula injury. Meanwhile, Kolar missed two games with a broken forearm, and Gadsen’s production has dropped off compared to his rookie output last year. Blocking specialist Hayden Rucci, who has caught one pass for 7 yards in five games this year, is the only other tight end on the Bolts’ roster.
Perryman, 33, started in all 10 of his appearances last year and made 47 tackles. The Chargers brought him back on a $2.79MM deal, but he has been on IR with an undisclosed injury since Aug. 31. The ninth-year man’s name surfaced in trade speculation a couple weeks ago. However, despite their record, the Chargers have refused to sell so far. If they change their minds by next Tuesday’s deadline, Njoku, Perryman and various others on expiring contracts could end up on the move. In the meantime, the Chargers will attempt to finally break into the win column against the 2-5 Texans on Sunday.
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