Chargers Get a Key Playmaker Back From Injury – What is His Impact?

The Los Angeles Chargers will get wide receiver Jalen Guyton back from injury in the next few days. Guyton suffered a season-ending injury last year and had an extended recovery period, leading the Chargers to put him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The wideout started practicing again on October 19th, and this week will mark Guyton’s third week of practice since being activated. So, what is his impact now that he is back from injury?

What Jalen Guyton Means for the Los Angeles Chargers

Jalen Guyton Before The Injury

Guyton is a 26-year-old speedy wide receiver who played for the North Texas Mean Green. Once an undrafted rookie free agent who had a tryout with the Cowboys, Guyton was eventually cut and picked up by the Chargers. After some time on the practice squad and time up and down the roster, he eventually stuck around in 2020 building a strong connection with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Guyton was the recipient of Herbert’s first-ever touchdown pass.

Guyton had his best season in 2020, being used as a downfield threat with blazing speed and ability to take the top off the defense. The wideout recorded 28 catches for 511 yards and three touchdowns while ranking third in 2020 in yards per reception, with 18.3. In 2021, Guyton did more of the same, recording 31 catches for 448 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, in 2020 and 2021 Guyton struggled with drops, recording ten total in his two years as a playmaker.

In 2022, Jalen Guyton found himself as the fourth receiver on the depth chart and had a much more specified role as a decoy/deep threat. He played in three games recording 2 catches for 64 yards. During week three against the Jaguars, the North Texas product tore his ACL and was out for the year, and has just recently been a full participant in practice.

Impact

So where does Guyton make his impact now that he is healthy?

As it stands he would likely be fighting for wide receiver four snaps with Chargers rookie Derius Davis. Just like he did in 2022 with former third-round selection, Joshua Palmer. The Chargers have already lost wide receiver Mike Williams and desperately miss his production and jump-ball ability. Williams was the main deep threat for the offense, although Williams used his size to make plays down the field, while Guyton relies on speed.

Having Guyton back will give Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore additional opportunity to draw up deep shots for Justin Herbert. Guyton and Herbert have a great connection, and having another receiver Herbert can trust is obviously needed, as rookie receiver Quentin Johnston has yet to truly show to be a trustworthy receiver in Herbert’s eyes.

Simply put, Guyton will bring some juice to this wide receiver room with his downfield capabilities, rapport with Herbert, and experience.

Who Are Likely Cut Candidates For Guyton

When Guyton is officially activated from his 21-day window, the Bolts will need to cut someone from their roster to make room. Some likely options on the offensive side of the ball are:

Simi Fehoko

Fehoko caught his first touchdown pass in his career last week against the Chicago Bears. Fehoko has been a strong special teamer in his two weeks of being suited up for the Chargers and has shown some good reps as a receiver. Unfortunately, that may not be enough for Fehoko, as the Chargers may prefer to keep only five receivers, and the casualty would be the fifth receiver on the team; Simi Fehoko.

Tre’ McKitty

The candidate that should be cut for his play alone is Chargers 2021 third-round selection Tre McKitty. The former Georgia Bulldog has yet to do anything in his career, doing nothing as a receiver and also nothing as a blocker. McKitty’s PFF grade is 30.4 overall. He has more penalties than targets this year. McKitty has been abysmal and should be replaced, even if it is not to make room for Guyton. Lucky for him, McKitty was a day-two selection from the Chargers and has that “early selection leniency” so Telesco and Staley unable to admit they missed on a player may give McKitty the rest of the season in the blue and yellow.

Elijah Dotson

Elijah Dotson was an undrafted rookie out of Northern Colorado and had an impressive preseason. Making the team, he stands as the Chargers’ fourth running back and has played mainly special teams, doing so at a very moderate level. Dotson has had four carries, only recording six yards, as well as two catches for 13 yards. Dotson has a very small role for this team and has earned every last bit of it. Unfortunately, carrying four running backs in today’s NFL is usually poor roster construction, and with a thin receiver room, Dotson might be a casualty for Guyton to make his way back on the team.

Jalen Guyton is coming off a major leg injury and has not been a key contributor since 2021. Guyton will also be taking the spot of another rostered Charger, which could have its own domino effect. Positively, the Chargers getting the former undrafted receiver back will be huge for this offense. Kellen Moore likely has already been thinking of ways to use Guyton, and how to improve this offense, especially in the second half of games. So this leaves the question: This week against the Jets, will Guyton be unleashed?