The Chargers ruled out cornerback Tarheeb Still and safety Tony Jefferson for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans, leaving the team short-handed in the secondary after trading away safety Alohi Gilman to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for edge rusher Odafe Oweh on Oct. 8.
Still injured his knee and Jefferson hurt his hamstring during the Chargers’ 37-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings last Thursday at SoFi Stadium They’ll be joined on the sideline Sunday at Nissan Stadium in Nashville by running back Hassan Haskins because of a hamstring injury.
Still’s absence creates a void that means Nikko Reed could play for the first time since the Chargers’ victory over the Denver Broncos on Sept. 21. Reed would likely fill a supporting role behind Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, Benjamin St-Juste and Ja’Sir Taylor on Sunday against the Titans.
“Nikko Reed will get his first real opportunity, which I’m really excited about,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “Sometimes a fresh guy in there, who hasn’t played a lot, can bring a spark, can bring some juice. We know what kind of player Nikko is. We’ve got a ton of confidence in him.”
Safety Derwin James Jr. sprained his ankle in the first quarter of the game against the Vikings, but he said this week he would play against the Titans.
Haskins will be sidelined for the second consecutive game. Kamani Vidal and Jaret Patterson are the only healthy running backs available for the Chargers after Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in Week 3 and Omarion Hampton hurt his ankle in Week 5.
Hampton is eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 10.
In addition, the Chargers listed right guard Mekhi Becton (knee), tight end Will Dissly (illness), long snapper Josh Harris (chest) and defensive back Deane Leonard (knee) as questionable to play Sunday. The Chargers opened the window this week for Harris and Leonard to return from injured reserve.