Chargers Release WR Just Days Before Playoff Game vs. Texans

The Chargers are fine-tuning their roster with an impending AFC Wild Card showdown against the Texans fast approaching, and they've announced two moves in the days leading up to the playoff game.

In a corresponding move with signing former All-Pro RB Ezekiel Elliot to the practice squad, Los Angeles released WR Laviska Shenault. The latter appeared in only one contest after being elevated in December, failing to record a stat against the Buccaneers.

Once a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jaguars with a seemingly bright future, Shenault could soon be out of the league unless he turns things around in a hurry over the summer.

Chargers Release WR Laviska Shenault While Signing RB Ezekiel Elliot

Still only 26 years old, Shenault managed a mere five catches for 36 yards in 2024, though all of those receptions came with the Seahawks. He's played for four teams in five years, failing to make a major impact on any of them.

Things started in a promising way for the former Colorado standout. He had at least 660 yards from scrimmage in each of his first two seasons with Jacksonville before flaming out in Carolina. Considered a versatile weapon, Shenault was a promising returner as well yet consistently struggled with fumbling and ball control issues.

Despite his promise, Shenault clearly didn't fit what Jim Harbaugh was looking for when building the offense. It made sense to take a dart throw on him late in the campaign, especially considering some of the injuries the Chargers suffered at the position, but Shenault's style wasn't a match for Harbaugh's.

It's probable that some team will take another flier on Shenault and invite him to training camp, though that could be his final NFL opportunity. Instead of developing the once-coveted wideout, Harbaugh and his staff elected to backfill running back depth with Elliot. For all of Elliot's deficiencies, he's certainly more accomplished than Shenault.

Regardless of the move, this team is determined to make a deep playoff run. FanDuel Sportsbook currently has Los Angeles as 2.5-point favorites on the road and should the Chargers topple the Texans, they'll likely have another battle against the hated Chiefs to advance to the AFC Championship.

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