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.