The LA Chargers continue to shuffle the roster on the eve of the team's NFL Playoffs matchup against the Houston Texans on Saturday.
After signing notable running back Ezekiel Elliott to the practice squad on Monday, the Chargers made an even more surprising move on Thursday. The Chargers released offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, perhaps creating a roster spot for another move.
McFadden was drafted in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has been a healthy scratch for most of the 2024 season. The Chargers could still bring McFadden back on the practice squad if they want to keep him in the building.
Chargers' shocking Jordan McFadden release creates roster spot for a practice squad elevation
Even though McFadden was consistently a healthy scratch it is still surprising to see him get the boot ahead of the NFL Playoffs. Offensive line depth is a premium, especially after Rashawn Slater suffered a surprise knee injury and Trey Pipkins got hurt in Week 18.
McFadden was making headlines before the season as he was getting snaps at fullback during Chargers training camp. With Scott Matlock ultimately getting that role, McFadden didn't really have a place on the Chargers' active roster.
This shocking release of a recent draft pick is to make room on the active roster for one of two reasons. Los Angeles may soon be activating wide receiver Simi Fehoko, whose 21-day practice window officially opened this week.
If Fehoko is not ready, the Chargers could be creating space to sign Elliott to the active roster. Both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were limited in Wednesday's practice, so running back depth may be more of a need than offensive line depth in the NFL Playoffs.
Either way, Chargers fans should be rooting for McFadden to stick around on the team's practice squad. While he did not get many chances in 2024, McFadden has potential and can blossom into a valuable depth piece on the offensive line.
The Chargers would have to release someone else from the practice squad to make room for McFadden. If Elliott (or someone else) gets elevated to the active roster then the Chargers will not have to release anyone.