Los Angeles Chargers update the injury status of one of their star defenders

The Los Angeles Chargers have officially cleared their star rookie corner, Asante Samuel Jr. to start Sunday against the Houston Texans, per NFL Network’s Taylor Bisciotti. Samuel, Jr. had been in the concussion protocol recently and had missed the Chargers‘ last four games.

It’s a massive boost for Los Angeles’ secondary as he’s been one of the best corners in the league when healthy. He’s lived up to his lofty expectations for his rookie season and then some. Samuel, Jr. is the son of former NFL legend Asante Samuel.

Samuel, Jr. has shined for the Chargers

Despite only playing in nine games thus far in his rookie season, Samuel Jr. has picked off two passes. At the end of September, he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month. According to PFF, during the month of September, he didn’t allow a single touchdown in 103 coverage snaps, the most by a rookie with zero touchdowns allowed. He has shined early and often for his new team in the National Football League.

The former Florida State product made quite an impression on his Chargers’ teammates early on in fall camp. The former Florida State product was sticking to wide receiver Keenan Allen like glue during practice drills.

Asante Samuel Jr.’s FSU career

He became the second FBS player since 2000 and the first since 2003 to have three interceptions and two fumble recoveries in his team’s first four games last season. In the eight games he played in 2020, he recorded 31 tackles, including one tackle for loss, three interceptions, six pass breakups, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He was named a first team All-ACC selection last year.

The LA Chargers (8-6 overall) face the Houston Texans (3-11 overall) on Dec. 26. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. EST from Houston, Texas.