The Chargers brought back a familiar face to Los Angeles as they signed tight end Stephen Anderson to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, safety Mark Webb was released to make space.
Anderson was with the Chargers for three years starting in 2019. In 2020 and 2021, he played 33 games with LA as a core blocker for their tight end room. As a pass blocker and run blocker, Anderson recorded positive scores for the group. In 2020 and 2021, his average pass-blocking grade was 67.6.
While he didn’t contribute much in the receiving game relatively speaking, Anderson also showed he could be used in that way if needed. On 29 targets in 2020 and 2021, he recorded 271 yards. Anderson played a lesser role on a smaller snap count with the Cardinals in 2022.
Much has been made of the Chargers’ blocking situation in recent games this season. They have gotten poor blocking efforts via PFF tracking from Stone Smartt and the recently waived Tre’ McKitty. While Anderson won’t contribute much from an offensive perspective, he absolutely could be used as a blocker if need be.
Part of the reason for the signing could be the injury status of Gerald Everett. Everett left last week’s game against Detroit with a back injury and did not return. Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic, he did not practice for the Chargers on Wednesday.
Time will tell what Anderson’s role ends up being in LA for the rest of the season, but the signing certainly provides the Chargers with some options at tight end. A receiving option that has some previous experience with quarterback Justin Herbert could help team chemistry as well.