The San Diego Chargers' laboring defense got some good news Saturday.
Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram has been activated off the reserve-physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the team announced. The Chargers waived linebacker Adrian Robinson to make room for Ingram on the active roster.
Ingram suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in May. He began practicing Nov. 20 and the Chargers had until Dec. 10 to decide to activate him or keep him on the PUP list for the rest of the season.
While the Chargers aren't likely to ride the second-year pro early in his return, the news is a huge boost to a defense that has been picked apart this season. Ingram reportedly impressed teammates in recent practices last month, with U-T San Diego reporting that one jokingly prodded: "Is Melvin on a torn ACL a better athlete than us?"
San Diego lost both linebackers Dwight Freeney and Larry English to injured reserve earlier this season as well.
The Chargers (5-7) are fighting for their playoff lives. Ingram's return, however little he plays, is a bonus as San Diego battles one of the NFL's toughest remaining schedules.
We previewed every Week 14 game and "stuck a fork" in another team in the latest "Around The League Podcast."
