Chargers GM Tom Telesco Assures Team Will Keep International Player Pathway DL
With preseason ending and roster cuts finalized a few days ago, many teams and fans say goodbye to many roster hopefuls while some hope to come back with the team's practice squad. C.J. Okoye, a quick fan favorite, is coming back to the Bolts to help on the practice squad.
Okoye quickly became a fan favorite when he made his first-ever football sack against Rams rookie QB Stetson Bennett.
Okoye found his way onto the Chargers roster by way of the International Player Pathway program; this program helps identify athletes from other countries. These athletes have no experience playing football but have athletic traits or backgrounds that make them possible contributors to NFL teams.
The Chargers General Manager saw how quickly Okoye was growing on the team, with teammates, and with fans and knew that he needed to stick around.
While Okoye did not make the 53-man roster, he is being brought back on the team's practice squad without taking up a roster spot.
An NFL team's practice squad can consist of up to 16 players. International Pathway players have a roster spot exemption, allowing teams to hold 17 players. Okoye is that 17th man.
Okoye will look to grow as a football player on an NFL team in his first year ever as a defensive lineman.
Only being 21 years old, Okoye has all the physical tools and youth to develop and possibly contribute to a Chargers team that is looking to make the playoffs and challenge for their division.
While he may not contribute right now, Charger fans can look to watching his amazing sack dance at practice or during next year's preseason.
