Samuel (shoulder) was placed on IR on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Samuel hurt his shoulder prior to the Chargers' season opener but was able to start each of the team's first four games. However, the Week 5 bye didn't help Samuel overcome the issue, and his placement on IR means he'll need to miss at least Los Angeles' next four contests. Cam Hart will likely take Samuel's spot in the starting lineup at cornerback.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Out versus Broncos
Rotowire
Samuel (shoulder) is out for Sunday's outing against Denver.
Samuel has had a lingering shoulder injury since the beginning of September, but he'll now miss his first game of the season due to it. The 2021 second-round pick has 13 tackles (11 solo) so far this season, and his next chance to play will be Oct. 21 against Arizona.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Good to go Sunday
Rotowire
Samuel (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Raiders.
Samuel tweaked his shoulder during Friday's practice, but it isn't serious enough to hold him out of the Chargers' regular-season opener. The 2021 second-round pick will start opposite Kristian Fulton at corner.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Injures shoulder Friday
Rotowire
Samuel (shoulder) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that Samuel tweaked his shoulder during Friday's practice and is now in jeopardy of missing the Chargers' regular-season opener Sunday, per Rhim. If Samuel is unable to suit up in Week 1, expect Kristian Fulton, Deane Leonard and Cam Hart to see increased snaps at outside corner.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Disappoints in second season
Rotowire
Samuel finished the 2022-23 season with 57 tackles (48 solo), one tackle for loss, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and 11 passes defended across 17 games.
Samuel served as the Chargers' No. 1 corner after J.C. Jackson suffered a season-ending knee injury in late October. The 23-year-old had a disappointing second season, recording the same amount of pass deflections and interceptions as he did during his rookie year despite playing in five more games, while also allowing a team-high six touchdowns. While the potential is there, Samuel has struggled with consistency but will look to try and put it all together going into his third season.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Not in line to start
Rotowire
Samuel appears to be losing ground on the starting outside cornerback role opposite J.C. Jackson, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
Michael Davis was expected to lose his starting role after the offseason signings of Jackson and slot corner Bryce Callahan, but instead it appears as if Samuel could be relegated to No. 4 corner. Samuel did play slot at times for the Chargers during his rookie campaign and showed flashes of being a turnover difference maker, but Callahan's excellence in that capacity might mean the second-year corner is simply the odd man out of the starting equation.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Full participant in practice
Rotowire
Samuel (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice session.
Samuel has missed the last four games due to a concussion, but his full participation in practice Wednesday is an encouraging sign. If he can remain a full participant Thursday and Friday, he should have a good chance to return for Sunday's matchup against the Texans.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Inactive Thursday
Rotowire
Samuel (concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Kansas City.
Samuel was a limited participant in practice all week, but he'll be unable to return to game action Thursday. Chris Harris should continue to handle an increased role against the Chiefs.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Questionable Thursday
Rotowire
Samuel (concussion) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Chiefs.
Samuel was a limited participant at practice Monday and Tuesday, and he has a chance to return Thursday following a three-game absence due to a concussion. If he's unavailable once again, Chris Harris should continue to see additional playing time.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Out for Week 13
Rotowire
Samuel (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals.
Samuel was unable to clear concussion protocol for a second straight week, leading to him being ruled out for Week 13. Kiondre Thomas and Tevaughn Campbell will play increased snaps in the secondary again this weekend.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Absent from practice Wednesday
Rotowire
Samuel (concussion) did not practice Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
Samuel continues to work through the concussion protocol and appears to be trending in the wrong direction for Sunday's road matchup against the Bengals. Kiondre Thomas and Tevaughn Campbell will remain candidates to see increased work as long as Samuel can't go.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Logs full practice
Rotowire
Samuel (concussion) was able to practice fully Wednesday, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Samuel suffered a concussion in Week 8 and was unable to play for the Chargers in Week 9. While it's uncertain if the cornerback has cleared concussion protocols, there's optimism Samuel will be able to play in Week 10 after practicing fully Wednesday. Expect Ryan Smith and Tevaughn Campbell to see increased roles Sunday if Samuel can't suit up against the Vikings.
... See More... See Less
Chargers' Asante Samuel: Bolts to Los Angeles
Rotowire
The Chargers selected Samuel in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 47th overall.
This is a strong value pick for Los Angeles, as Samuel was the best corner on the board and would not have lasted much longer had the Chargers gone in another direction. The Florida State product lacks ideal size (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) to stick outside against big receivers; however, Samuel possesses natural coverage ability and starter-level athleticism highlighted by 4.41-second speed in the 40. Samuel joins a talented cornerback group alongside Chris Harris.
