Bront

Bird

With Na’il Diggs inactive with a chest injury, the Chargers turned to undrafted rookie Bront Bird. Butler is probably going to be okay, but it’s worth noting in case liabilities Bird or Diggs are pressed into action.

An undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech, Bird will be making his NFL debut if he’s active tonight. Although the Chargers are dealing with a banged up linebacker corps, Bird’s contributions should be limited to special teams.

Bird, an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech, spent the first part of the year on the Chargers’ practice squad. He ended up making 14 tackles in nine games as a backup linebacker and special teamer.

With Donald Butler (groin) also sidelined, San Diego will likely turn to a rotation between Bront Bird and Andrew Gatchkar opposite Takeo Spikes. Bird played 19 snaps last week after Williams left the game and recorded six total tackles and an interception. Bird’s role in the Chargers base and subpackage defenses is unclear, so owners in IDP leagues are best advised to avoid this situation.

Manti Te’o (foot) is still not practicing and does not appear close to a return. IDP owners should note that Bird was a monster on Monday night, racking up 14 tackles (10 solo). The Eagles’ run-heavy, fastbreak offense will lead to plenty more tackle opportunities.

Te’o is reportedly not a candidate for injured reserve, but there is no timetable for his return. That leaves backup Bront Bird as an intriguing IDP plug-n-play in tackle-heavy formats. Bird had 14 tackles last week and will be playing a ton of snaps against the fastbreaking Eagles’ run-heavy offense. The rest of the Chargers inactives: QB Brad Sorensen, WR Seyi Ajirotutu, SS Brandon Taylor, LB Terrell Manning, G Johnnie Troutman and DE Drake Nevis.

It doesn’t sound like the Chargers expect their rookie linebacker back any time soon. Sidelined since early August, it’s quite possible Te’o is dealing with a Lisfranc issue, the most serious of foot sprains. Bront Bird is starting in his absence. Bird racked up 14 tackles in Monday’s loss to the Texans.

It would be Te’o’s first practice since suffering his injury way back on Aug. 8. Backup Bront Bird is tied for the team lead in tackles with 15, but only played six snaps in Week 2. Te’o will play plenty once healthy, but he did come off the field in a lot of subpackages during the preseason.

Te’o suffered the injury in Thursday’s preseason opener. The No. 38 pick played nine snaps with the first-team defense but was removed on all third downs. Te’o is sporting a walking boot, but there’s been no indication that the injury is serious. Bront Bird will temporarily replace him in the starting lineup.

The Chargers are preparing backup Bront Bird to start Monday’s game against the Texans. Te’o, who sustained a sprained right foot nine snaps into the first preseason game, has picked up his activity lately. He was spotted doing a “strenuous” public workout Wednesday.