Chargers Kick Fan Favorite to Curb Just Before Week 1

The Los Angeles Chargers are in the midst of a transformative offseason. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Bolts revamped their roster in a big way to set themselves up for the future. Some of these roster decisions left some Chargers fans confused and the latest practice squad decision was one of them.

The Chargers previously waived wide receiver Cornelius Johnson before the roster cutdown day. They later re-signed him to the practice squad. However, only a few days later, the Chargers announced that they released him again along with linebacker Andrew Farmer to make space for CB Shaun Wade and WR Dez Fitzpatrick.

NFL News: Chargers Release WR Cornelius Johnson From Practice Squad

This is a surprising decision that caused some frustration among the Chargers fanbase. Johnson was a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was one of two Michigan Wolverines that Harbaugh selected in the draft along with linebacker Junior Colson.

Because of his Michigan connection, many had assumed that he would get more of a chance. However, the Chargers decided that Simi Fehoko and fellow rookie Brenden Rice had more upside in the WR room. Johnson was not a big playmaker at Michigan, finishing his senior season with 47 catches, 604 yards, and one touchdown in 14 starts. He was more known for his blocking ability and special teams impact.

Giving up on a draft pick this quickly after selecting him is never a good look, especially in a position of need. The Chargers have one of the weakest wide receiver groups in the league with Josh Palmer, rookie Ladd McConkey, and Quentin Johnston projected to start in Week 1. Fehoko, Rice, Derius Davis, and DJ Chark round out the rest of the rotation. The fact that Johnson wasn't able to get even a chance in the practice squad doesn't bode well for his NFL future.

More Chargers news and rumors: