Chargers’ Justin Jones, Nasir Adderley, Drue Tranquill trending toward playing vs. Patriots

The Chargers are expected to get some key defenders back for the Week 8 matchup against the Patriots.

On Monday, head coach Brandon Staley said defensive tackle Justin Jones, linebacker Drue Tranquill, and safety Nasir Adderley are all trending toward returning this weekend.

The most notable of the three is Jones, who has been out since the season opener against Washington when he sustained a calf injury.

Given the ongoing issues against the run, getting Jones back should be beneficial.

Before getting hurt, Jones showed flashes in the season opener against Washington. He was the team’s best run defender the last two seasons, finishing with 39 run stops combined.

With Jones back at practice, the Chargers now have 21 days to activate him off the injured reserve.

Both Tranquill and Adderley missed the Week 6 bout against the Ravens with chest and hip injuries, respectively.

LB Kenneth Murray is also eligible to be lifted from the injured reserve, but Staley said he needs some time before he’s ready to return to the action.