The Los Angeles Chargers today elevated linebacker Blake Lynch and center Sam Mustipher from the practice squad for Sunday's game. The team also downgraded tackle Joe Alt to doubtful.
Lynch has appeared in 27 career games, including seven contests last season with the Chargers. He initially signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, appearing in 20 games and making seven starts over two seasons (2020-21) with the team. Over his career, Lynch totaled 41 tackles (26 solo), two sacks, an interception, three passes defensed, a forced fumble and a recovery.
In four seasons (2016-19) at Baylor, Lynch played in 50 career games, starting 32 times at five different positions. He ended his Bears career with 134 tackles (89 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, three interceptions, 12 passes defensed, a forced fumble and two recoveries, along with a blocked kick. Lynch began his time in Waco, Texas, on offense, adding 51 receptions for 673 yards (13.2 avg.) and four touchdowns along with 80 rushing yards over his first two seasons with the team.
Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Mustipher has started 43-of-53 career games with the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens, including a postseason start in 2020. He started all 17 games with the Bears in 2021, while starting 16-of-17 contests with Chicago in 2022. Mustipher contributed in nine games for the Ravens last season, making a pair of starts on a line that blocked for quarterback Lamar Jackson to win his second Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award.
Mustipher appeared in 47 games over four seasons (2015-18) at the University of Notre Dame, finishing his career with 36 consecutive starts at center for the Fighting Irish. During his time in South Bend, Ind., he helped Notre Dame appear in three bowl games, serving as a team captain in 2018, when the team finished the year ranked No. 5 in the nation after posting a 12-1 record.
