Los Angeles Chargers undrafted rookie Eric Rogers turned heads over the weekend with a breakout performance that many players dream of but few achieve. In Sunday’s preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, Rogers intercepted two passes, including a stunning pick-six, before suffering an ankle injury late in the game that forced him off the field. Later, Rogers was seen in the locker room on crutches
Rogers’ first interception came in the third quarter on a crucial third-and-6. Positioned deep in a Cover 3 zone, Rogers read Saints quarterback Tyler Shough’s intentions perfectly. Although tasked with covering the deep outside third, Rogers recognized Shough gearing up to throw an out route to receiver Dante Pettis near the right sideline. Trusting his instincts, Rogers jumped the route, snatched the ball, and returned it 43 yards untouched for a touchdown. Head coach Jim Harbaugh called it “as good of a play as I’ve ever seen,” praising Rogers’ timing and athleticism in making the grab.
In the fourth quarter, Rogers picked off Saints quarterback Jake Haener, further cementing his impact on the game. He also recorded a pass breakup on a critical third-and-7 later in the quarter. Unfortunately, Rogers’ breakout day was cut short when he injured his ankle on a kickoff return late in the game. He was seen in visible pain and had to be helped off the field by trainers.
Chargers Say Eric Rodgers Is “Getting Checked Out”
Postgame, Rogers didn’t speak to the media, but he was spotted in the locker room on crutches receiving a game ball from Harbaugh. While the coach refrained from providing an update on Rogers’ injury status, saying only, “Yeah. No, he’s getting checked out,” his admiration for the rookie was evident.
“The pick 6, that was as good a play as I’ve ever seen. As good a play as you can make,” Harbaugh said. “The break on the ball, the avoid of the receiver, completing the catch to the ground. Then getting back up and he was rolling. Quite a big day by him. Really incredible.”
Rogers’ standout showing has likely secured him a serious look for the Chargers’ final 53-man roster, particularly as the team’s cornerback room has been riddled with injuries this offseason. His strong preseason performance puts him in competition with other promising rookies like Nikko Reed and Trikweze Bridges.
However, the injury now casts uncertainty over Rogers’ availability as the Chargers prepare to make roster cuts in just three weeks, with the regular season less than a month away. The severity of the ankle injury remains unclear, but early signs don’t inspire optimism about a quick return during the preseason.
Despite entering camp as an under-the-radar undrafted player, Rogers’ play has captured the attention of Chargers fans eager to see more from the former Rutgers defensive back. Even if the injury sidelines him for the remainder of the preseason, many hope the Chargers keep him within the organization so he can resume his promising start once healthy.
Rogers’ story is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL. From an unknown rookie to a potential roster contributor — and now to the uncertainty of injury — his journey remains one to watch closely as the Chargers navigate a pivotal summer.
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