Chargers sign veteran S Tony Jefferson to active roster

The Los Angeles Chargers reinforced their last line of defense ahead of Sunday's game against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs, signing veteran safety Tony Jefferson to the 53-man roster on Thursday.

Jefferson, who had been on the Chargers' practice squad, will replace the suspended Derwin James Jr. The NFL issued James a one-game ban for his hit on Pittsburgh tight end Pat Freiermuth in the third quarter of last Sunday's 20-10 loss at the Steelers.

Jefferson, 32, signed with Los Angeles in June and was added to the practice squad after he was cut following the preseason.

The 10th-year veteran has recorded 492 tackles, 9.5 sacks, four interceptions, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown in 114 games (67 starts) as a safety and a defensive back since going undrafted out of Oklahoma in 2013.

Jefferson has spent most of his career with the Arizona Cardinals (2013-16) and the Baltimore Ravens (2017-19, 2021). He has also played for the San Francisco 49ers (2021) and the New York Giants (2022). He became a free agent in 2023 and retired before signing with the Chargers.

The Chargers (2-1) have lost five straight games to the Chiefs (3-0) since a 30-24 win at Kansas City on Sept. 26, 2021.

Los Angeles also signed offensive lineman Braeden Daniels to the practice squad on Thursday.

--Field Level Media