The Los Angeles Chargers (4-2) are once again shuffling the roster as injuries continue to mount. Once viewed as a dark horse Super Bowl contender, the Bolts have spent much of October patching holes and fighting to stay afloat in the AFC playoff race. On Tuesday, that meant cutting a former top-five pick and adding much-needed depth at running back.
The team announced via its official X account that edge rusher Clelin Ferrell has been released from the practice squad, with Jaret Patterson signed in his place.
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Ferrell’s Fall from Top Pick to Free Agent
Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?
A former Clemson standout and two-time national champion, Ferrell was drafted fourth overall by the Raiders in 2019. Despite entering the league with high expectations, his NFL career has struggled to gain traction. In 90 career games, the 28-year-old has recorded 17 sacks, 84 solo tackles, and four forced fumbles.
Ferrell appeared briefly for the Chargers in Week 5 against Washington, logging just 17 snaps and one pressure. Los Angeles brought him in for depth following injuries to Khalil Mack and others, but the move didn’t stick.
Chargers Turn to Familiar Face at Running Back
In a corresponding move, Los Angeles re-signed Jaret Patterson, who spent part of last season with the team. Patterson, an undrafted running back out of Buffalo, rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns during his time with Washington.
The signing comes at a critical time: veteran Najee Harris is out for the season with a torn Achilles, and rookie Omarion Hampton is sidelined with an ankle injury. While Patterson isn’t expected to challenge for starting reps, his addition offers stability to a depleted position group.
With a Week 7 matchup looming against the red-hot Indianapolis Colts, Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers are simply trying to stay healthy, competitive, and—most importantly—in contention.
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