The injury bug can certainly sting when it keeps coming back, which is the unfortunate case for a former Los Angeles Chargers player.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that former Chargers and current Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. tore his Achilles at Steelers' OTAs. That injury will cost Parham the whole season.
Sources: Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles during today’s OTAs that now is likely to end his 2025 season. A brutal injury. https://t.co/fyipieiizU pic.twitter.com/Mxyxkqh8id
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025
It's a significant blow to the Steelers' depth at tight end as Parham was battling for a backup job behind Pat Freiermuth. Parham was going up against Darnell Washington and JJ Galbreath.
Another devastating injury might put Parham's career in jeopardy. Chargers fans know the feeling of losing Parham to injury.
Parham's checker past with Chargers now haunts Pittsburgh
Parham had a feel-good story when he entered the Chargers' facilities in 2020. He was coming off a stint in the XFL with the Dallas Renegades, where he was the leading receiver, and now landing an opportunity to make an NFL roster.
There was no looking back for Parham as he made a four-year run with the franchise that had flashes of high potential. He finished with 67 receptions for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns in 47 career games.
His time in Los Angeles was overshadowed by injuries, which almost became an annual occurrence. In 2021, he suffered a serious head injury, and he was unconscious for nearly 10 minutes. After the game, he was placed on IR. The following season, Parham had a hamstring injury and a concussion that cost him time off the field. He did suffer a hip injury in his final year with the Chargers in 2023, but didn't miss time for that.
While Parham was in Los Angeles for preseason, the Chargers ultimately let him go last August. He would sign with the Denver Broncos to be on their practice squad throughout the season. Parham had just signed with the Steelers during the offseason.
Hopefully, this isn't the final chapter of Parham's NFL career, as the 27-year-old still has plenty of years to play. His durability concerns, though, might hold him back from coming back to the Steelers or any other NFL team.
From a business perspective, it appears the Chargers made the right call in letting Parham walk last year.