Former Los Angeles Chargers player suffers season-ending injury during OTAs

A former undrafted free agent out of Stetson, Donald Parham Jr. was unable to catch on with the Detroit Lions or Washington Commanders early in his career. Following a one-year stint with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL, Parham found a home with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Parham spent four years with the Chargers, recording 67 receptions for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns. He wasn't retained in 2024, eventually signing with the Denver Broncos' practice squad.

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This season, he hoped to catch on with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who signed the veteran to a one-year deal. Unfortunately, his latest campaign ended before it began as Parham suffered a torn Achilles during OTAs.

Sources: Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles during today’s OTAs that now is likely to end his 2025 season. A brutal injury. https://t.co/fyipieiizU pic.twitter.com/Mxyxkqh8id
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025

Pittsburgh has a stellar tight end as their starter in Pat Freiermuth and a promising backup in Darnell Washington. Parham was expected to be the TE3 behind them, and should have had a chance to see the field often.

Instead, Pittsburgh could explore adding another veteran to the mix as a replacement for Parham.

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham Jr. warms up against the Kansas City Chiefs. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

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