Del’Shawn Phillips has already justified his surprising Chargers opportunity

Linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips has earned an unexpected starting role for the Los Angeles Chargers after veteran Denzel Perryman was placed on injured reserve during cut-down day. Phillips was selected to start alongside Daiyan Henley in the defense's front seven.

Phillips, who spent much of his career and his 2025 season primarily playing on special teams, was named a starter ahead of Marlowe Wax and Troy Dye. He helped the defense show improvements in Week 2 by limiting the Las Vegas Raiders' running game.