Mickens had 29 tackles (18 solo) and two interceptions over 12 regular-season games for the Chargers in 2025.
Mickens was utilized as a rotational safety option behind starters Derwin James and Elijah Molden. The rookie enjoyed a strong start to his career with interceptions against the Vikings in Week 8 and the Steelers in Week 10. He will likely start his sophomore season in a rotational role once again, as both James and Molden will be back in their starting roles in 2026.
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Chargers' RJ Mickens: Active for regular-season finale
Rotowire
Mickens (shoulder) is active for Sunday's contest against the Broncos.
Mickens is good to go for Week 18 after missing the team's last two games while nursing a shoulder issue. With Derwin James (coach's decision) inactive for the regular-season finale, Mickens could draw the start at strong safety versus Denver.
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Chargers' RJ Mickens: Still nursing injury
Rotowire
Mickens (shoulder) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.
The rookie safety from Clemson has missed the Chargers' last two games due to a shoulder injury, but Wednesday's limited session suggests he could be nearing a return. Mickens likely needs to practice in full Thursday or Friday in order to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Broncos.
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Chargers' RJ Mickens: Sidelined for Week 17
Rotowire
Mickens (shoulder) has been ruled out for Saturday's contest against the Texans.
Mickens will be forced to miss a second straight contest after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 15 versus the Chiefs. With Tony Jefferson and Derwin James back to full health, the absence of Mickens doesn't carry much of a defensive impact.
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Chargers' RJ Mickens: Will not play Sunday
Rotowire
Mickens (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup against the Cowboys.
Mickens didn't practice all week after injuring his shoulder during the Chargers' Week 15 win over the Chiefs. The 24-year-old has 28 tackles (18 solo) and two interceptions in 11 games played this season. Should Elijah Molden also be unavailable Sunday against the Cowboys, Tony Jefferson should get the start alongside Derwin James.
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Chargers' RJ Mickens: Doesn't practice Wednesday
Rotowire
Mickens (shoulder) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.
Mickens injured his shoulder during the Chargers' Week 15 win over the Chiefs. Per Kris Rhim of ESPN.com, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters Wednesday that Mickens "could miss time" due to his injury. If both Mickens and Elijah Molden (hamstring) are unable to play Sunday against the Cowboys, then Tony Jefferson would be slated for another start at safety alongside Derwin James.
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Chargers' RJ Mickens: Gets first interception Thursday
Rotowire
Mickens recorded two tackles (one solo) and an interception during Thursday's 37-10 win versus the Vikings.
Mickens was on the field for a season-high 36 defensive snaps in Week 8, and he made the most of his opportunity when quarterback Carson Wentz sailed a pass intended for wideout Justin Jefferson early in the fourth quarter. Fellow safeties Derwin James (ankle) and Tony Jefferson (hamstring) suffered injuries Thursday, so Mickens could be in line to see extra work again in Week 9 at Tennessee.
