Chargers Place Perryman on IR, Opening Door for Wax
The Los Angeles Chargers placed veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury, sidelining him for at least four games. This opens a significant opportunity for second-year linebacker Marlowe Wax, who has impressed since joining as an undrafted free agent. The team also re-signed punter JK Scott after releasing him during roster cutdowns.
Perryman’s injury history is notable; he has never completed a full season, averaging 11.7 games per year. His absence for at least four weeks shifts the Chargers’ linebacker rotation, with Troy Dye and Del’Shawn Phillips also competing for snaps. Wax, an undrafted free agent from 2025, earned a roster spot last year and started against Denver in Week 18, impressing against a playoff-bound offense. He wore the communication helmet in a preseason game against San Francisco, signaling growing trust from the coaching staff. Pro Football Focus graded him 90.9 overall this preseason, second among NFL linebackers, with zero missed tackles. His contract runs through 2026, unlike several veterans, positioning him as a long-term piece.
This move could reshape the Chargers’ defensive depth early in the season, potentially accelerating Wax’s development into a starter. For fans, it offers a compelling underdog narrative, but for the team, it tests run defense against physical opponents. Perryman’s recurring injuries may prompt the front office to prioritize younger, durable options, influencing future roster decisions. The broader impact is limited to team performance, though it highlights how undrafted players can seize opportunities when veterans falter.