Chargers Add DB In Light Of Latest Elijah Molden Injury Update

Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?

Standout safety Elijah Molden missed Monday night’s win over the Raiders after suffering a hamstring injury in practice late last week. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Molden “is not expected to miss extended time,” with one source suggesting he could be back after missing no more than one more game.

Molden’s absence was felt against Las Vegas. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has leaned on packages that feature Molden alongside Alohi Gilman and Derwin James Jr., allowing James to play closer to the line of scrimmage as a disruptive nickel defender. With Molden sidelined, the Chargers have had to adjust.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged the setback:

“Yes, something happened yesterday that he is working through,” Harbaugh said last week. “And we’ll give you more of a status update tomorrow.”

The team has been cautious, knowing Molden is still working back from a broken fibula and torn meniscus he suffered last season.

Chargers Activate Tony Jefferson

To reinforce the secondary, the Chargers elevated veteran safety Tony Jefferson to the active roster. Jefferson made the most of his opportunity on Monday night, filling in for Molden and delivering a clutch performance.

He finished with five tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception that halted a Raiders scoring drive before halftime.

Defensive Adjustments: Molden Opens Up Derwin James at Nickel

Molden’s injury has once again highlighted how versatile Derwin James Jr. can be when shifted into the nickel role. Against Cleveland in Week 9 of last season, James showed his impact by blowing up a screen pass on a blitz, an example of how dangerous he becomes closer to the line of scrimmage.

Minter admitted earlier this season that he regretted limiting Molden’s snaps in a the 2024 Week 7 loss to Arizona. Since then, Molden has played more than 86 percent of defensive snaps in each game, a testament to his importance. With Molden sidelined, James has assumed greater nickel responsibilities, giving the Chargers flexibility in their dime packages.

“When he’s close to the ball, when he’s close to the action, he’s a very disruptive player,” Minter said of James.

The Road Ahead

If Molden returns quickly, the Chargers’ three-safety look with Gilman and James regains its full force. Until then, Jefferson’s resurgence and James’ adaptability will be key to keeping the defense steady.

As Alohi Gilman put it:

“Having two guys who understand the defense and put people in the right places and play a step ahead of the game… it just allows us to play fast up front.”

For now, the Chargers can breathe a little easier knowing Molden’s absence won’t be long-term — and that Jefferson, Monday night’s hero, has already stepped up in the meantime.