Samuel (neck/shoulder) underwent neck surgery in April, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samuel will have a check-up appointment in July. The 25-year-old free agent cornerback visited with the Saints on Monday, but he will reconvene with interested teams once deemed fully healthy. Samuel appeared in just four regular-season games last season due to shoulder and neck issues. He's aiming to return to the field in 2025.

Samuel (neck/shoulder) remains unsigned and has a "medical concern" that's impacting teams' interest in him, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

EDGE Analysis

Garafolo also confirmed the medical concern is related to the neck/shoulder injury that limited Samuel to four games in 2024. A previous report said he's dealing with something similar to stinger symptoms, though lasting for months rather than weeks. The 2021 second-round pick made 47 starts in four years with the Chargers, recording double-digit pass defenses and exactly two interceptions each of his first three years on the team. Samuel reportedly visited with the Cardinals a couple weeks ago, but there haven't been any other reports of visits or serious interest, leaving him as one of the top unsigned players heading into the second month of the NFL league year.

Samuel (shoulder) has been dealing with "stinger symptoms," which caused him to miss the majority of the 2024 season, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samuel was limited to just four games in 2024 due to a shoulder injury, recording 13 total tackles (11 solo) and two passes defensed. The cornerback said that he's "feeling better" and that he wants to return to the Chargers in 2025. Samuel will be a free agent this offseason and it's unclear where his next destination will be, but he's confident he'll be ready for the offseason program, with whatever team that may be.

Speaking with the media Wednesday, coach Jim Harbaugh said the Chargers don't expect Samuel (shoulder) to play Sunday against the Falcons, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samuel hasn't played since Week 4, and there's been no indication he's close to returning to the practice field despite being eligible to come off injured reserve at any time. When asked if he expected Samuel to play again this season, Harbaugh replied, "I don't know." Kristian Fulton, Elijah Molden, Ja'Sir Taylor, Tarheeb Still and Deane Leonard are filling cornerback duties.

Samuel (shoulder) was placed on IR on Saturday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samuel hurt his shoulder prior to the Chargers' season opener but was able to start each of the team's first four games. However, the Week 5 bye didn't help Samuel overcome the issue, and his placement on IR means he'll need to miss at least Los Angeles' next four contests. Cam Hart will likely take Samuel's spot in the starting lineup at cornerback.

Samuel (shoulder) is out for Sunday's outing against Denver.

EDGE Analysis

Samuel has had a lingering shoulder injury since the beginning of September, but he'll now miss his first game of the season due to it. The 2021 second-round pick has 13 tackles (11 solo) so far this season, and his next chance to play will be Oct. 21 against Arizona.

Samuel (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

EDGE Analysis

Samuel tweaked his shoulder during Friday's practice, but it isn't serious enough to hold him out of the Chargers' regular-season opener. The 2021 second-round pick will start opposite Kristian Fulton at corner.

Samuel (shoulder) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that Samuel tweaked his shoulder during Friday's practice and is now in jeopardy of missing the Chargers' regular-season opener Sunday, per Rhim. If Samuel is unable to suit up in Week 1, expect Kristian Fulton, Deane Leonard and Cam Hart to see increased snaps at outside corner.

Samuel finished the 2022-23 season with 57 tackles (48 solo), one tackle for loss, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and 11 passes defended.

EDGE Analysis

Samuel served as the Chargers' No. 1 corner after J.C. Jackson suffered a season-ending knee injury in late October. The 23-year-old had a disappointing second season as he recorded the same amount of pass deflections and interceptions as he did during his rookie year despite playing in five more games, while also letting up a team-high six touchdowns. While the potential is there, Samuel has struggled with consistency but will look to try and put it all together going into his third season.

Samuel recorded four tackles (zero solo) and two passes defended during Sunday's 37-23 loss to the Seahawks.

EDGE Analysis

Samuel finished with a team high in passes defended as he made his seventh start of the season against Seattle. The second-year cornerback has played all but four defensive snaps for the Chargers this season, recording 26 tackles, seven passes defended and an interception. Samuel should continue to serve as the Bolts' top cornerback with J.C. Jackson (kneecap) now expected to miss the remainder of the 2022 campaign.