The Los Angeles Chargers made a roster adjustment this week in response to a key injury. According to Mike Garafolo, “The #Chargers signed LB Kana’i Mauga to the practice squad and released RB Nyheim Hines from the practice squad.”
The move comes as linebacker Denzel Perryman is sidelined with a high-ankle sprain. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Perryman is considered week-to-week, an absence that could stretch multiple games. Perryman played just eight snaps in the team’s season-opening win over Kansas City before leaving in a walking boot. He also missed six games last season, adding to the concern about his availability.
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In his place, Daiyan Henley and Troy Dye shouldered the load. Henley played every defensive snap against the Chiefs, finishing with eight tackles and a sack, while Dye logged 33 snaps and recorded four tackles.
To bolster depth, the Chargers turned to Mauga, who brings familiarity with the AFC West. Mauga appeared in 17 games for the Raiders across 2023 and 2024, contributing primarily on special teams with four tackles. The Waianae, Hawaii native originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with Denver in 2022 after a decorated career at USC, where he started 24 games and totaled 207 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
While Mauga arrives, the team also moves on from Nyheim Hines, who had joined the 90-man roster earlier this offseason. Hines, a versatile back and special teams ace, has produced over 2,900 career yards from scrimmage and 22 total touchdowns, including four on returns. His release underscores LAs current priority: shoring up linebacker depth with Perryman sidelined.
As Los Angeles prepares for Week 2, the adjustment highlights the balance between maintaining offensive versatility and addressing immediate defensive needs.
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