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Former Ducks RB Royce Freeman signs with Chargers practice squad
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- Former Ducks RB Royce Freeman signs with Chargers practice squad
The Los Angeles Chargers have signed former Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.
Freeman starred with the Ducks from 2014-2017, ultimately leaving as the program's leader in rushing yards with 5,621. He set Oregon's single-season rushing record in 2015 with 1,836 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. By the time his career was over, Freeman also held the program record with 60 rushing touchdowns.
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The Ducks ' standout running back was selected 71st overall in the third round by the Denver Broncos in 2018. He had solid rookie and sophomore seasons, combining for 1,017 yards and eight touchdowns.
From there, he was signed by the Carolina Panthers (2021), Houston Texans (2021-2022) and Los Angeles Rams (2023), where he contributed two rushing touchdowns. That was the last time he was on an active roster, as Freeman has spent time with the Dallas Cowboys , Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears ' practice squads in the years since.
He signed a deal with the Bears in August but was released just five days later. Now, he's back, this time on the Chargers' practice squad.
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Los Angeles has been hit with injuries to their running back room, with rookie starter Omarion Hampton suffering an ankle injury in Week 5 and backup Najee Harris tearing his Achilles early in the season as well. Reserves Kamani Vidal and Jaret Patterson have filled in admirably for the now 8-4 Chargers, but depth was likely seen as an issue.
Enter the former Duck Freeman, who will begin on the practice squad with the chance to work his way up to the active roster.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Royce Freeman signs with Los Angeles Chargers practice squad
