Busy Chargers sign Reddick, cut Guy
NFL teams would prefer their Tuesdays quiet.
If only. The Chargers made 10 transactions this one.
Inside linebacker Kevin Reddick, running back Shaun Draughn and practice-squad outside linebacker Cordarro Law were added to the 53-man roster, as San Diego performed needed roster maintenance following a brutal injury sequence. The team waived defensive end Lawrence Guy as part of the tidying.
Running back D.J. Adams, outside linebacker Colton Underwood and tight end Dave Paulson were signed to the practice squad. Safety Adrian Phillips was released from it. Cornerback Marcus Cromartie (groin) was removed from injured reserve; he becomes a free agent. And running back Danny Woodhead was formally placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Whew.
This was an unusual Tuesday.
This was a Tuesday for a team that, on Saturday, placed outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (hip) on injured reserve with a designation to return, that on Sunday lost Woodhead for the year to a broken fibula and inside linebacker Manti Te’o for weeks to a foot fracture, that on Monday lost practice-squad running back Marion Grice to the Cardinals, whose opportunity for long-term playing time wooed him onto their 53-man roster.
All of Tuesday’s additions were designed to shore up the team’s depth.
Reddick figures to have a role on special teams where he played 303 snaps with the Saints in 2013, fourth most on the team. His arrival helps free up Kavell Conner, a core special-teams contributor set to undertake a larger defensive role in the coming weeks. Conner is expected to start for Te’o.
Draughn gives the team a third healthy back, joining veteran Donald Brown and rookie Branden Oliver in the backfield. He also can return kicks if needed. This is the sixth team in four years for the 6-foot, 205-pound veteran. Released by the Bears on Sept. 16, Draughn (pronounced “drone”) has 63 career carries for 235 yards and two scores with 24 catches for 158 yards.
Law is a healthy edge rusher for a team that could use another. Besides Ingram, outside linebackers Jerry Attaochu (hamstring) and Reggie Walker (ankle) have been limited of late due to injury. His next game will be his first since the Aug. 28 exhibition finale when he recorded a 12-yard sack, forced a fumble and had two tackles on special teams.
Two of the three practice-squad additions were with the team previously.
Underwood was signed after the May draft, remaining with the team until last month’s final roster cut. Adams also joined the team post-draft, but his tenure was briefer. He was waived in June and caught on with the Cowboys in August, spending three weeks in camp before being cut.
Paulson is the new face. The 2012 Steelers seventh-round pick was a teammate of Chargers tight end David Johnson. Paulson started four games in 2013 with six catches for 102 yards. His 258 special-teams snaps were third most on the team.
Tuesday is the final day before a normal practice week begins. It is the busiest transaction day for most teams.
Ideally, it is never this hectic.
