Chargers put CB Asante Samuel Jr., RB Gus Edwards on IR

The Los Angeles Chargers placed cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and running back Gus Edwards on injured reserve Saturday.

The moves mean Samuel (shoulder) and Edwards (ankle) will each miss at least four games.

Samuel was a full practice participant Thursday, then missed Friday's practice and was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said Samuel's injury didn't occur during practice. The fourth-year pro did injure a shoulder prior to the season opener, but Sunday will mark his first missed game of the season.

Samuel doesn't have an interception this season after having two in each of his first three campaigns. He has 13 tackles and two passes defensed.

Edwards, 29, is second on the squad with 113 rushing yards, and he also has one catch for 2 yards. He spent six years -- five playing seasons -- with the Baltimore Ravens, missing the 2021 season due to an ACL tear in his left knee.

The Chargers also activated linebacker Nick Niemann (hamstring) from injured reserve and signed safety Tony Jefferson to the active roster. Niemann was listed as questionable on Friday.

Also, cornerback Dicaprio Bootle was elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's game.

--Field Level Media