The NFL career of Michigan football national champion Junior Colson hasn't quite gone as expected, thanks in large part to injuries.
Colson, a second-round pick of the Chargers in the 2024 NFL draft, following a standout career for Michigan, where he played inside linebacker on the 2023 national championship team, is in danger of being cut.
Colson played in 11 games during his rookie season, with one start. He had 29 total tackles. He missed all of last season on injured reserve, so as far as his career with the Chargers goes, this season might be do-or-die.
The former Michigan football standout was listed as a player who needed to shine on Thursday night by Chargers Wire ahead of the preseason game against the 49ers.
❕Junior Colson pick six ❕
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) August 21, 2026
NFL Preseason on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/NTgEKDp4Sg
And Colson, with his roster fate on the line, delivered. Early in the third quarter, Colson came up with a pick-six. It's the kind of impact play that could give him a second life in the battle for a 53-man roster spot.
Former Michigan football player's roster spot is in jeopardy
Colson didn't have any tackles during the preseason game, though. So who knows how much that will truly help his cause. He could also have a role on special teams, and will need to if he's going to stick on the 53-man roster.
Making an impact play, especially on defense, will help his cause. He has to consistently make plays, but it could be a reminder of what he's capable of.
The problem for Colson is that the Chargers don't have a dire need at linebacker. They seem pretty deep there, particiularly with some rookies emerging. That could make Colston expendable.
With that in mind, it makes his interception even more important. 31 other teams will be evaluating Colson and there's a chance he could get picked up by someone else. The 6-foot-3, 247-pound linebacker seemed like an ideal fit to be a three-down linebacker in the NFL,
An ankle injury as a rookie, followed by shoulder surgery and a season-ending injury last season, have set back his NFL career. Saving it will mean being more productive. Returning an interception for a touchdown is a good place to start, but linebackers have to do more than that, and it feels like Colson still has work to do to make the Chargers 53-man roster.
The 49ers beat the Chargers 41-17 and the interception was off backup quarterback Adrian Martinez.
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