Los Angeles adds an experienced deep threat as they navigate uncertainty at the position following Week 1 injuries.
The Los Angeles Chargers are adding some veteran experience to their wide receiver room, signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
The move comes at an important time for the Bolts after the team dealt with injuries at wide receiver during its season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Ladd McConkey is dealing with a rib injury that has left his status for Week 2 uncertain, while KeAndre Lambert-Smith was placed on injured reserve.
That situation creates a need for additional depth, and Valdes-Scantling gives the Chargers an experienced option who has spent considerable time in multiple offensive systems.
Valdes-Scantling, 31, was originally selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent the first four seasons of his career in Green Bay before joining the Kansas City Chiefs, where he became an important part of two Super Bowl-winning teams.
His best season statistically came during his first year with Kansas City in 2022, when he recorded 42 receptions for 687 yards and two touchdowns. He also made several important plays during the Chiefs' postseason runs, including six receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown in the 2022 AFC Championship Game.
More recently, Valdes-Scantling has bounced around the league, spending time with the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers. He appeared in five games for Pittsburgh last season, recording 10 receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown.
Most recently, Valdes-Scantling spent training camp and the preseason with the Dallas Cowboys before being released during final roster cuts. He worked out for the Chargers on Tuesday before ultimately landing on their practice squad.
Valdes-Scantling will start on the practice squad, giving the Chargers another experienced receiver who can potentially be elevated if injuries or roster needs arise.
His biggest potential value comes from his ability as a vertical threat. At six-foot-four, Valdes-Scantling has historically provided offenses with a receiver capable of stretching the field and creating opportunities for explosive plays.
For the Chargers, that experience could become particularly valuable if McConkey is unable to play in Week 2.
Los Angeles already has several young receivers it can develop, but adding a veteran with Valdes-Scantling's experience gives the coaching staff another option as it evaluates how to handle the injuries within the position group.
For now, Valdes-Scantling will have to work his way onto the active roster. However, with the Chargers already dealing with uncertainty at receiver after Week 1, this could be an opportunity for the veteran to quickly become more than just a practice squad addition.
