Head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz completely shut down speculation regarding punter J.K. Scott's future with the Chargers, firmly backing the veteran despite a highly scrutinized preseason.
When Los Angeles initially left Scott off its 53-man roster, social media erupted with assumptions that he had been cut. However, Harbaugh and Hortiz clarified that the transaction was temporary and that Scott remains their answer at the position.
"He was always on the 53. That was a roster machination," Harbaugh declared. "He's our guy. Top 10 punter, we feel. Hang time, all of it, the proof's in the [pudding]."
After Scott's rocky preseason, fans believed he either needed to be cut or that competition needed to be brought in for him. The
lowest point came during a loss to the 49ers, when he booted a short 52-yard punt that resulted in an 83-yard touchdown return by Jacob Cowing, with Scott putting in zero effort to tackle him.
Hortiz echoed his coach’s confidence, refusing to let the poor preseason stretch overshadow Scott's broader track record. Hortiz pointed to the 2025 regular-season stats, noting that Scott maintained a 47.8-yard punting average, placing him 10th in the league.
"I'm not going to knock a guy on one game," Hortiz said. "He can drive the ball, he hangs the ball, he limits the returns. I'm happy with JK. Everyone has a bad run. Everyone does... So I'm happy with him, his ability as a punter, and the person he is."
On Monday, the procedural dust settled as linebacker Denzel Perryman was moved to injured reserve and Scott was officially signed back to the active roster.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' Jim Harbaugh, Joe Hortiz explains JK Scott's roster strategy
