# Chargers sign Rucci after tight end injuries pile up

> Los Angeles addresses a depleted tight end room by signing practice squad player Hayden Rucci.
- Title: Chargers sign Rucci after tight end injuries pile up
- Summary: Los Angeles addresses a depleted tight end room by signing practice squad player Hayden Rucci. The Chargers were forced to quickly add depth at tight end…
- Keywords: los angeles chargers, hayden rucci, tight end, injured reserve, david njoku, charlie kolar, oronde gadsden, nfl, roster moves, practice squad, injuries, sports
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/after-putting-two-tight-ends-on-injured-reserve-chargers-sign-hayden-rucci
- Published: 2026-09-22T20:10:50.568+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: los angeles chargers, hayden rucci, tight end, injured reserve, david njoku, charlie kolar, oronde gadsden, nfl, roster moves, practice squad, injuries, sports
## Chargers lose two tight ends to injury
David Njoku and Charlie Kolar were both placed on injured reserve Monday after getting hurt during Sunday's game, leaving the Chargers with just one healthy tight end.
## Rucci signed from Jaguars practice squad
The Chargers signed tight end Hayden Rucci off Jacksonville's practice squad to fill the gap at the position.
## Rucci's path to the Chargers
The Wisconsin product went undrafted in 2024 and has bounced around the NFL, spending time with the Dolphins, Lions, 49ers and Jaguars before joining Los Angeles.
## Chargers cut Jennings to make room
To add Rucci to the 53-player roster, the Chargers released wide receiver Gary Jennings.
## Gadsden now the only healthy tight end
With Njoku and Kolar out and Scott Matlock already on injured reserve since the season started, Oronde Gadsden is the Chargers' lone healthy tight end until Rucci gets up to speed.
## Key takeaway

The Chargers were forced to quickly add depth at tight end after losing two players to injury in the same week.