In 2007 Chris Chambers was a needed pickup for the San Diego Chargers’ offense: a big-play receiver that took pressure off Antonio Gates and made acrobatic catches when needed. With an easy smile, great footwork and reliable hands, Chambers fit into the offense and locker room seamlessly. The trade with Miami, costing San Diego a second-round pick in the NFL draft, was looked at as one which helped both teams.
As such it was jarring to note that in less than two seasons, Chambers went from invaluable to expendable. Needing a little help at linebacker and on special teams, the Chargers decided to release Chambers on Monday, ending the 31-year-old’s tenure with the team. A replacement, likely a promotion from the practice squad, will be announced later in the week.
Linebacker Shaun Phillips said that Chambers would be missed inside the San Diego locker room:
Chambers had lost playing time to Malcom Floyd, made a couple key drops and seemed to have a hard time getting open. With just nine catches for 122 yards and a touchdown through seven games, he was passed by Legedu Naanee on the depth chart and deemed expendable by management.
Hear from Philip Rivers and Norv Turner on Chambers’ release after the jump:
Nonetheless, quarterback Philip Rivers knows the clubhouse has lost a professional who, even when expressing his disappointment publicly over his reduced role in the offense, never lost his edge at practice or as a teammate:
Head coach Norv Turner said the decision was based both on the improved play of younger receivers, and the need for added depth at linebacker and on special teams:
It’s a long fall for a player who became so integral to the Chargers’ success in 2007, said Rivers:
The mentality of an NFL player when one of his teammates is removed is fascinating, almost akin to a soldier losing a platoon mate in war. You sweat, train, break bread, and former brotherhood with a fellow player, but when he’s gone, it’s time to move on without looking back. Rivers spoke about Chambers and how life and business in the league collide:
The Chargers plan to suit up just four wide receivers on gamedays, meaning that Buster Davis is likely to remain on the team but inactive. Turner said at Monday’s press conference that Davis had “made it through four straight weeks of practice healthy”, which apparently counts as progress. Still, a reserve linebacker from the practice squad is more needed for the team at this time, with Tim Dobbins likely to miss multiple weeks with a knee sprain and Kevin Burnett working his way back from injury as well.
