Rookie Looking For More Snaps In Season Finale

Your Los Angeles Chargers will most likely carve out more time for some of their younger developing players today against the Kansas City Chiefs, given that the Bolts are 5-11 on the year, are playing for nothing, and are sitting several vets.

Per Eric Smith of Chargers.com, rookie Daiyan Henley is looking to play more minutes at his intended position of linebacker. In LA's 16-9 loss to the Denver Broncos last weekend, Henley took eight snaps as a linebacker, after mostly suiting up on the special teams side this season.

"Just to be on the field in that role as a linebacker, the feel of it was amazing. It felt normal, felt natural. I missed it," Henley said.

He's played for 38 total defensive snaps this year, Smith reveals. The 6'1", 225-pound First-Team All-Pac-12 Washington State product was selected with the No. 85 pick

Starting linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. (shoulder injury) is listed as doubtful to suit up. Assuming he can't go, interim head coach Giff Smith has indicated he intends to play Henley and third-year pro Nick Niemann to divide their reps alongside vet Eric Kendricks.

"My rookie year was as it was supposed to be," Henley reflected. "I came in knowing that I was supposed to learn and be under two guys that have played a prominent role.

"Just learn and grow and look forward to furthering my career," Henley added. "It's gone as expected and now I'm looking ahead to be prepared for anything that can happen."

As Smith notes, there's a chance that Henley is auditioning for Murray's job, as the Chargers vet will be a free agent this year.

"If there's one word to sum up what I'm thinking for 2024, it's 'more.' And that can be anything. It could mean a lot of things," Henley said. "But if you look at me and my history and who I am as a player, I always want more."