Chargers newcomers out to prove themselves amid whirlwind of kickoff week

Taylor Heinicke wanted to unwind and celebrate making the Atlanta Falcons’ initial 53-man roster last Wednesday. The veteran quarterback clicked on a Netflix documentary that featured the University of Michigan.

That’s how Heinicke met his new coach.

For the Chargers’ last-minute additions and last-second survivors of last week’s roster cut down, making a 53-man roster is only the chaotic start to a competitive season as the team prepares for Sunday’s opener against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Heinicke, defensive back Elijah Molden and running back Hassan Haskins crisscrossed the country multiple times last week while settling into life with the Chargers and tying up loose ends from their previous teams. Heinicke was watching Netflix’s newly released documentary on Connor Stalions and the sign-stealing controversy at Michigan when Falcons head coach Raheem Morris called to alert him about the trade to L.A. With family members split between Michigan and Ohio State allegiances, Heinicke, a neutral Atlanta native, couldn’t help but chuckle at the timing of the call.

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“Meeting Jim [Harbaugh], I think he exceeds every expectation,” Heinicke said Monday. “He’s really fun to be around and I’m excited to work with him.”

Molden, who came to the Chargers from the Tennessee Titans through a trade, moved with his wife and infant daughter. The couple is expecting their second child in December. Haskins, who was claimed off waivers last Wednesday after two seasons with the Titans, arrived in L.A. the same afternoon he got the call, but flew right back to Nashville the next day to pack up his belongings.

After missing all of last season while on injured reserve, the former fourth-round pick is eager to prove his standing in the league.

“Just show that I’m still one of the guys that can produce and help the team win,” said Haskins, who reunited with his coach, Harbaugh, who…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-newcomers-prove-themselves-amid-031327712.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-09-03 03:13:27

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