Training camp is approaching and with a few more weeks of dead time in the NFL offseason, Chargers Wire is documenting each of Los Angeles’ players before it kicks off.
Despite being the career rushing leader at Missouri, Larry Rountree III has struggled to find his footing in the NFL. Since being drafted by the Chargers in the sixth round in 2021, Rountree has accounted for just 87 rushing yards at a paltry 2.4 per carry average.
After failing to make the initial 53 man roster following the acquisitions of Isaiah Spiller and Sony Michel a season ago, Rountree clawed his way back from the practice squad to the active roster last November for his special teams acumen. Los Angeles liked what they saw enough to offer Rountree a reserve/futures contract for the 2023 season.
With the ineffective Michel now off the roster, Rountree reassumes RB4 duties behind Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, and Spiller. The question, however, is whether or not 4 running backs will make the initial roster – especially with fullback Zander Horvath locked in for his own special teams prowess.
That leaves the third-year player likely fighting for a practice squad spot, where he should have the inside track on undrafted rookies Tyler Hoosman and Elijah Dotson.
2023 Contract: $940,000 base salary with no bonuses or guaranteed money, $940,000 cap hit.
Acquired: Rountree was selected with the 198th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and has spent his entire career with LA.
Quote: Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore on the running backs outside of Austin Ekeler:
“We’re really excited about the other guys that are in that room, particularly in the running back room, just to give them these opportunities throughout the training camp process, the preseason process, and then we’ll figure out how the roles all get distributed.”
Highlight:
Larry Rountree III is coming for celebration of the year 😂 @LRountreeIII
📺: #MINvsLAC on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/ej58Ns5Ott— NFL (@NFL) November 14, 2021