INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 23: Alohi Gilman #32 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after forcing a fumble in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Alohi Gilman’s return from injured reserve has paid major dividends for the Chargers in the Wild Card round.

After a promising first drive by the Chargers offense stalled out in the red zone and resulted in a Cameron Dicker 35-yard field goal, the Bolts defense took the field for their first matchup against the Texans offense.

Quarterback CJ Stroud dropped back to pass and found receiver John Metchie over the middle as he moved towards the first down marker. Gilman and Derwin James met him after a gain of 8.

Gilman ripped at the ball as Metchie went to the ground, forcing it out and into the hands of James just as Metchie’s knee hit the turf. James had the awareness to scoop the ball up and return it 5 yards.

After review, the ball was out of Metchie’s hands just before his knee went down, giving the Chargers a turnover on the first defensive play of the game. Los Angeles’ offense moved the ball another 12 yards down the field before Dicker kicked another field goal to make the score 6-0 in the first quarter.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers highlight: Alohi Gilman rips it out for first turnover of playoffs