Los Angeles Chargers release rookie RB Rocket Sanders

The Los Angeles Chargers are releasing running back Rocket Sanders, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. The Chargers signed Sanders after he went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sanders tallied 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the NFL preseason. Zenitz expects Sanders to be a practice squad target. Sanders had a standout year in 2024 at South Carolina, where he amassed 881 rushing yards, 316 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns in 12 appearances.

For his efforts, Rocket Sanders was named an All-SEC Second-Team selection. Before transferring to South Carolina for the 2024 season, Sanders spent three years at Arkansas.

He burst onto the scene in 2021, notching 578 yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries. Sanders only stepped up his game the following season, when he exploded for a career-high 1,443 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

He was named a 2022 All-SEC First-Team selection and was regarded as one of the most dangerous rushing threats in the country. Alas, in 2023, Sanders had a down year due to injuries and finished with just 209 rushing yards.

In turn, Sanders searched for a fresh start after the season and landed at South Carolina. His impact on the Gamecocks was obvious. South Carolina posted a 9-4 record in 2024 after recording an underwhelming 5-7 record the previous year.

While Sanders didn’t make the Chargers’ 53-man roster, there are multiple experts who are confident he can eventually carve out a role for himself in the NFL. Ahead of the draft in April, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided an in-depth analysis of Sanders’ game.

“He’s a big rusher with pop behind his pads,” Zierlein wrote. “He runs with timing and tempo as a one-cut runner. He creates yards with vision and cut quickness, but he can fall into the trap of trying to be a hero instead of taking yards that are there and moving on. His speed won’t prohibit him from outside runs, but his living will be made inside the tackles.

“He’s rarely stopped on ‘gotta have it’ downs and is capable out of the backfield. Fumbles and inconsistent pass protection might land him in the doghouse, but he has the size and talent to become a committee runner.”

The Chargers have four other running backs on their roster, with Najee Harris leading the way. The team will kick off their upcoming season with a showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at 8 p.m. ET on Sept. 5. The game will air live on YouTube.