Chargers Rookie Standout Leaves Game Early With Apparent Injury

Jeremy Hanna | Sep 15, 2024

Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh prepares to enter the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Chargers are on cloud nine after a dominant 26-3 win agains the Carolina Panthers.

Unfortunately, it looks like it may have come at the cost of one of their rookie standouts.

According to a report from Kris Rhimes of ESPN, Chargers linebacker Junior Colson was taken to the locker room early with trainers. 

While he was able to walk on his own, it was reported by CBS Sports that he had suffered a hamstring injury. 

Having Colson off the field is a massive loss for the Chargers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has been high on Colson ever since the early days of rookie mini camp.

“It's been great," Harbaugh said. "[Linebacker] Junior [Colson], he knows the defense so well. It's such an incredible thing. I'm not saying he's going to be wearing any dots or anything anytime soon — probably not in the first year. He's literally making all of the calls. He's making all the linebacker calls. He's making the DB calls right now."

"It finally got to the point, 'Somebody other than Junior answer this next question,'" Harbaugh continued with a laugh. "It's safe to say that he knows he's on it. It's a great thing for our team.”

Harbaugh is likely supportive of Colson because they had already worked together at Michigan and won the College Football Playoffs national championship together.

Colson made a strong impression in his first season at Michigan, making 61 total tackles, two sacks, and one pass deflection. He was named a Freshman All-American.

Colson continued to improve in his sophomore season, starting all 14 games and recording a team-high 101 tackles. He also made two sacks and one pass deflection. This led to him being named second-team All-Big Ten.

Colson’s final collegiate year saw the Wolverines win the CFP national championship. He once again led the team with 95 tackles and was named second-team All-Big Ten for the second year in a row. 

Colson also received the Lott Trophy, recognizing his personal character as well as his athletic ability.

Harbaugh reunited with Colson when the Chargers selected the linebacker with the 69th pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

In his first game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Colson recorded four combined tackles and a pass deflection. Hopefully, he’ll have the chance to come back healthy and ready to play.

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