Chargers OTAs: Rookie Linebacker Junior Colson Exits Practice Early with Trainers

Colson was the team’s 3rd round pick out of Michigan and was the first defensive player they selected this year. His addition to the defense was highly anticipated as he was reunited with former Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. He would likely have a leg up having familiarity with the defense.

Colson joins Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye, and Denzel Perryman in the middle linebackers room.

Junior Colson’s Injury History

Colson never missed significant time due to injury in his three seasons playing for Michigan. He has gained notoriety for playing through injuries. He played through a foot injury during much of the 2022 season, even wearing a walking boot during the week and taking it off to play. He eventually had surgery because of the injury in the offseason between 2022 and 2023. He famously played with both hands in casts in the Rose Bowl.

Heading into spring camps, Jim Harbaugh emphasized a cautious approach to this time of year.

“Though you can’t win any games on the on the first day of rookie mini camp,” Harbaugh said, “you could lose one because we could we could lose a player to to injury. It’s been my experience in the past that when you get one early like this then it’s the longlasting kind of injury.”