The Los Angeles Chargers just shook up their practice squad by bringing back familiar face Caleb Murphy, an edge rusher who knows the system. This move, finalized a few days after initial reports, means rookie pass rusher Nadame Tucker is off the squad.
Murphy’s Second Stint with the Bolts
Caleb Murphy is no stranger to the Chargers organization; he spent about a calendar year with them before. Signed initially in October 2024, Murphy really made his mark during the 2025 preseason, especially shining on special teams. He even saw action in six games last season, racking up half a sack and 12 total tackles before the team waived him. The plan was for him to rejoin the practice squad then, but the Patriots snatched him up off waivers. Now, he’s back with the Bolts.
The Rookie Who Couldn’t Stick
But for every player welcomed back, someone has to go, and this time it was Nadame Tucker. When the Chargers first signed him, Tucker was seen as the absolute gem of their 2026 undrafted free agent class. The dude led the nation in sacks the previous year playing under Chris O’Leary, who was his defensive coordinator at Western Michigan. There was big hype, a real expectation that O’Leary’s move to the pros would help Tucker take his game to the next level in the NFL. Sadly, that hasn’t materialized yet. The cold, hard truth? Tucker just hasn’t held up well enough as a run defender to keep his spot on the practice squad. Ouch.
This is a wild pivot for the Chargers, essentially trading potential for experience on the practice squad. They are rolling with a known quantity in Murphy over a rookie who just couldn’t quite cut it in run defense. What does this mean for their defensive depth going forward? They’re clearly looking for guys who can contribute now, even if it’s just on the practice squad. Chargers fans have to wonder if this gamble on a familiar face will pay off, or if they just let a future star slip away because he couldn’t stop the run right this second. It’s a tough break for Tucker, no doubt, but the NFL moves fast!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bolts from the Blue.
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