Hype for Chargers undrafted running back starting to spark back up

Hype for Chargers undrafted running back starting to spark back up originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Los Angeles Chargers have an interesting situation at the running back position as we draw closer to the start of the 2025 regular season, mostly due to whatever is going on with Najee Harris. 

Harris, a priority free-agent signing for the team, has yet to do much in L.A. since getting hurt in an incident involving fireworks on the Fourth of July. The team expects to have Harris ready for the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil, but his absence is allowing other players on the roster to get an extended look. 

The only sure thing at running back for the Chargers is that rookie Omarion Hampton looks like the real deal. Beyond Hampton, there are several possibilities at the position. 

Second-year running back Kimani Vidal likely has the inside track to be the team's No. 3 running back, but Hassan Haskins, Nyheim Hines-Miller and Raheim Sanders will all have a chance to win a spot on the roster as well. Perhaps the most intriguing option is Sanders. 

Sanders was given some hype this offseason, but that quickly fizzled out when training camp opened, as he missed several practices due to injury. However, following the team's most recent preseason game, a win over the Saints, his arrow is again pointing up. 

Against New Orleans, Sanders made the most of his opportunity. After not playing in the preseason opener against the Detroit Lions, Sanders carried the ball 10 times against the Saints and gained 42 yards. He also made this nice run to find the end zone. 

Touchdown for @raheim_sanders aka Rocket 🚀 pic.twitter.com/V8CGrZNlQl

— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025

Sanders carried the ball more times than any other player against the Saints, an indication that the team wants to get a good look at him. Undrafted out of South Carolina and nicknamed "Rocket", he rushed for over 3,100 yards and scored 28 touchdowns in college. 

READ: Chargers announce plan of attack with or without Najee Harris

He'll need to cap the preseason off with some more strong performances, but Sanders may have a bright future with the Chargers and could crack this year's 53-man roster. If the team tries to sneak him onto the practice squad, it will first have to wait for him to clear waivers, and after seeing what he could be capable of, another team would likely grab him first. 

The Chargers will have a tough call to make when it comes to his status for the 2025 season. 

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