Chargers Re-Sign Punter J.K. Scott After Brief Roster Move
Punter J.K. Scott has returned to the Los Angeles Chargers’ 53-man roster just one day after being released. The transaction, described by Head Coach Jim Harbaugh as a planned “roster machination,” was executed to create a pathway for linebacker Denzel Perryman to reach Injured Reserve (Designated to Return).
Harbaugh: Scott Was “Always on the 53”
Addressing the move on Monday, Harbaugh made it clear the team never wavered on Scott.
“He was always on the 53. That was a roster machination. He’s our guy,”
Harbaugh said. He characterized Scott’s willingness to be waived and re-signed as a “mighty man move” that ultimately benefits the entire roster.
“Top 10 punter, we feel. Hang time, all of it, the proof’s in the pudding,”
Harbaugh added.
“It’s really cool, a player’s willingness to do that is what speaks volumes to me.”
The coach emphasized the broader team-first implication:
“That’s a team guy, that’s really going to save another guy. That’s really what it boils down to. It gives us the opportunity to have a 54th player.”
General Manager Joe Hortiz Backs Scott’s Track Record
General Manager Joe Hortiz echoed the support, pointing to Scott’s 2023 production—where he tied for 10th in the league with a 47.8-yard gross average—as evidence of his value.
“I’m not going to knock a guy on one game. Last year, top 10 punt average and he’s somewhere right in the middle with his net average. He can drive the ball, he hangs the ball, he limits the returns. I’m happy with J.K. Everyone has a bad rep, everyone does, there’s players out here, it just doesn’t get seen as much. So I’m happy with him, his ability as a punter and the person he is.”
Scott’s preseason struggles—a missed tackle attempt against the 49ers and a 20-yard punt versus the Rams—were dismissed as outliers by both decision-makers.
Hortiz Pleased with UDFA Development After Trade Wins
Beyond the specialist spot, the Chargers’ front office is highlighting a deeper organizational win: converting undrafted free agents into trade capital.
Trades Net Future Draft Capital
Before finalizing the initial 53-man roster, Los Angeles dealt cornerback Avery Smith to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive lineman TeRah Edwards to the Carolina Panthers. Both players arrived as UDFAs and flashed enough to attract league-wide interest, netting the Bolts a pair of future sixth-round picks.
“It’s identifying good players and getting them after the draft, certainly. And it’s a credit to the coaches for developing them.”
Hortiz said.
“I’d say it shows the organization’s ability to locate guys, find guys, and then once they get out here, develop them. It’s a positive thing for sure.”
Harbaugh Praises Front Office and Coaching Synergy
Harbaugh credited the personnel department—led by Hortiz—and the coaching staff for building a roster with genuine depth, noting the team carried 10 rookies on the initial 53.
“Joe Hortiz, the entire staff and personnel department … every guy is proven and great at what they do. They are bringing us guy after guy who are good, and the other thing is there are no distractions.”
“Good people and good players. Then also really proud of the coaches for coaching guys up to be Game 1 ready or 53-man ready or 53-man ready on another squad because we can only keep 53.”
The head coach summarized the collective effort with blunt enthusiasm:
“Just, wow … coaches and the personnel department do an incredible job.”
With roster flexibility secured and developmental success validated, the Chargers enter the regular season confident in both their specialist stability and their pipeline of young talent.
