What's confirmed: The Chargers placed Njoku on injured reserve on Sept. 23, according to the ESPN transactions log. He has not played since. Harbaugh's Monday comments are the first sign the team expects him back on the practice field soon.
What's still open: Harbaugh framed the move as likely, not final. The team has not announced the window opening, and nobody has said whether Njoku will be ready for Sunday's home game against the Houston Texans at 4:05 PM ET.
Once a player's practice window opens, the team has 21 days to move him to the active roster. If it does not, he stays on injured reserve for the rest of the season. That gives the Chargers room to ease him in over two or three weeks rather than rush him back for Houston.
Harbaugh also said guard Kayode Awosika should start working back into practice and that receiver Brenen Thompson is unlikely to practice after a setback. Neither move changes much for RSO lineups, but a healthier offensive line helps the whole passing game.
RSO take: If Njoku is sitting in an IR slot on your roster, keep him there for now and plan to promote him once the Chargers activate him. Owners who cut him earlier in the year should check waivers in deeper leagues, since a tight end with a clear return path is worth a bench spot. His contract value doesn't change with this news, but his weekly floor will depend on how quickly he gets back to a full share of snaps.
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