The Los Angeles Chargers have activated long snapper Josh Harris, defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand, and defensive back Deane Leonard from the Reserve/Injured list, allowing them to return to the roster. Additionally, running backs Jaret Patterson and Trayveon Williams have been elevated from the practice squad for the upcoming Sunday game.
Harris, a Pro Bowler in 2021, has played in 216 NFL games, including nine postseason contests, primarily with Atlanta and the Chargers. Since joining the Chargers in 2022, he has been a vital part of the special teams, aiding kicker Cameron Dicker and punter JK Scott in achieving recognition as AFC Special Teams Players of the Week. Along with his Pro Bowl selection, The Associated Press honored Harris as a second-team All-Pro. He played in two NFC Championship games and Super Bowl LI during his time with Atlanta.
Entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Harris was involved with kickers Matt Bryant (Pro Bowl in 2016) and Younghoe Koo (Pro Bowl in 2020) during his time on special teams. A native of Carrollton, Georgia, he played college football at Auburn, contributing to the Tigers’ BCS National Championship victory over Oregon after the 2010 season.
Hand has played in 69 regular-season games (18 as a starter) with the Chargers, Detroit, Tennessee, and Miami. In his eighth season, he has accumulated 112 tackles (72 solo), six sacks, and multiple other defensive stats. This year, Hand has started five games for the Chargers, tallying 10 tackles and one sack. Drafted by the Lions in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he earned All-Rookie honors after a solid debut season with 27 tackles and three sacks.
During his four seasons at Alabama, Hand played in 50 games, celebrating two College Football Playoff National Championships in 2015 and 2017. He finished with considerable stats, including 10 sacks and multiple tackles across two seasons.
Leonard, selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft as the 236th overall pick, has participated in 39 games and made three starts. His defensive contributions include 24 tackles and several forced fumbles. Prior to joining the Chargers, Leonard played two seasons at Mississippi and three seasons at the University of Calgary, amassing strong defensive records.
Patterson has competed in 23 games since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2021, including a start with the Chargers. He has already made a mark this season, rushing 20 times for 74 yards in a couple of games. His overall stats include 418 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Also, during his time at Buffalo, he had a stellar college career, breaking several records and receiving numerous accolades.
Williams, drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, has played in 71 games over six seasons, with 68 in the regular season. He has focused on special teams and has seen offensive action, accumulating multiple rushing and receiving yards. His college career at Texas A&M saw him surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each of his three seasons, firmly establishing his playmaking capability.
