A strong showing in the preseason is the best way for an unknown undrafted free agent to insert themselves in the conversation for a roster spot. LA Chargers defensive back Eric Rogers knows this all too well, and just put together one of the most impressive games imaginable against the New Orleans Saints.
The former Rutgers defensive back hauled in not one, but two interceptions off Saints rookie Tyler Shough; the first of which was a pick-six in which he impressively jumped an out-route near the sideline.
Unfortunately, Rogers' day did not end on a positive note. Rogers was injured during a Chargers kickoff late in the fourth quarter following a Raheim Sanders rushing touchdown. Rogers was seen in real pain on the ground and had to be helped off the field by trainers.
Eric Rogers' preseason breakout for the Chargers ends on an awful note
Rogers is not someone who was on Chargers fans' radar as someone who could earn a roster spot during the preseason. However, after his two interceptions against the Saints, fans were starting to work out the calculus on how he could make the 53-man roster.
Even if that was far-fetched, Rogers at least earned a spot on the Chargers practice squad with his excellent showing against the Saints. This injury changes everything.
It's unclear how severe the injury is but the optics are not great for the Chargers rookie. The Chargers are less than a month away from the start of the regular season and are just three weeks away from making roster cuts.
Based on the optics of the injury itself, it would be surprising to see Rogers back on the field at any point in the preseason.
Hopefully, the optics of the injury are far worse than the actual severity. Rogers may not have been a known name entering Sunday, but he is someone who Chargers fans undoubtedly want to see more of in the future.
And if this is the end of the road for Rogers in the preseason, hopefully the Chargers keep him around in some capacity so he can pick up where he left off.