The Chargers have designated safety Alohi Gilman for return from injured reserve and opened his 21-day practice window, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh said that Gilman is “ready to roll,” indicating that he will be activated before the Chargers’ regular season finale on Sunday.
Gilman landed on injured reserve at the end of November with a hamstring injury after starting 10 of Los Angeles’ first 11 games this season. His return could not come at a better time for the Chargers, who just lost Elijah Molden for the season due to a broken fibula.
Gilman was having a solid season before his injury, though he has not been able to replicate his playmaking from last season. He recorded two interceptions, 10 passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2023; this year, he has just one interception and four passes defended with no fumble production.
If all goes well in practice, the Chargers will use their eight and final regular season IR activation on Gilman, though they will receive two more for the playoffs.
One of those postseason activations could be for wide receiver Simi Fehoko, who has been on injured reserve since early November with an elbow injury.
Harbaugh said that Fehoko is “progressing really well,” per Popper. He has not been a major piece of the Chargers offense this year; he’s caught just six of his 16 targets, though all six have converted first downs for a career-high total of 106 yards. Fehoko has been a contributor on the kick and punt units, so he could see some playoff playing time on special teams if activated.