As the NFL has trimmed their rosters down to 53 players, former South Carolina running back Raheim "Rocket" Sanders was among the latest names cut, per CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz. The Los Angeles Chargers' decision underscores the competition in their backfield, a bittersweet moment for a rookie who flashed potential this preseason.
Sanders made his case in limited opportunities, rushing for 101 yards and scoring two touchdowns on just 28 carries. Despite the production, he faced an uphill climb in a crowded running back room. Signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders' injury and concerns with ball security played a role in him going unselected. The Chargers, however, saw enough in him to give a second chance, and he made the most of it with steady preseason play.
Before arriving in Los Angeles, Sanders carved out a strong college career across two SEC programs. He burst onto the scene at Arkansas, earning All-SEC honors and racking up 1,443 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. After transferring to South Carolina, he closed out his career playing college ball under Shane Beamer with 881 yards and 11 scores in 2024, cementing himself as one of the league's most versatile backs.
While his release stings, this is far from the end of Sanders' story. Reports indicate the Chargers plan to retire him on their practice squad, a move that will keep his NFL dreams alive. For Sanders, it is another step in a winding journey defined by resilience, talent, and fight to prove he belongs at the next level.