The Los Angeles Chargers released wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. from the practice squad on Tuesday to make room for the signing of veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott. Shenault was released by the Seattle Seahawks in the middle of the regular season and was picked up by Los Angeles. The 2020 second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars appeared in just one game for the Chargers but did not log a touch. Shenault has totaled 163 receptions for 1,587 and six touchdowns to go along with 253 rushing yards and a score across 63 career games with four organizations. Needless to say, he's unlikely to be a key contributor anytime soon for any team.
The Los Angeles Chargers added free-agent wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. to their practice squad on Thursday. Shenault was waived by the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, so it didn't take him long to find a new home. The former second-round pick was been quiet this season with five receptions for 36 yards in 11 games. He hasn't done much in the league since his first two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was likely just a move to add experienced depth to their roster. In a corresponding move, fellow wideout Dez Fitzpatrick has been cut from the practice squad. The former fourth-round pick has five receptions for 49 yards over the course of his first three professional seasons. He'll look to catch on elsewhere as depth going forward.
The Seattle Seahawks have waived wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., the team announced Monday. Shenault, 26, had appeared in 11 games with Seattle this season, catching all five of his targets for 36 yards through the air. He primarily played on special teams, returning a total of 16 kicks for 459 yards and one touchdown. While he had been a dependable special teamer for a while, Shenault muffed two kicks on Sunday and also coughed up a fumble on a return. His numerous gaffes in Week 13 ultimately cost him his job and will prompt the Seahawks to look elsewhere for their next kick return specialist.
Laviska Shenault Jr. Sidelined As Week 12 Prep Begins
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (back) did not practice on Wednesday. The fifth-year receiver injured his back during last Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. As of now, his status for Week 12 is up in the air, but Wednesday's absence isn't a good sign. Regardless of whether Shenault suits up this week against the Arizona Cardinals, he should be left on waivers in all fantasy leagues.
Laviska Shenault Jr. Doubtful To Return In Week 11
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (oblique) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. He is officially doubtful to return. Shenault had not registered a touch at the time of his departure. DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba remain the top receivers in Seattle, with Jake Bobo and Cody White rounding out the depth chart.
Free-agent wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. is signing with the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN reporter Brady Henderson. Shenault was originally a second-round pick in 2020 by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Colorado, but he has not found his footing over the first four seasons of his career. The 25-year-old posted at least 600 receiving yards in each of his two seasons with the Jagaurs but totaled just 332 yards in 21 games during his two-year stint with the Carolina Panthers. With DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the roster, it'd be a big surprise if he's a fantasy-relevant player in 2024. Assuming he makes the 53-man roster, he'll likely be utilized as a depth player and a special teamer.
The Carolina Panthers placed wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle) on Injured Reserve on Thursday, which means he'll have to miss at least the next four games. With just six games remaining in the regular season, there's a good chance Shenault has played his last game in 2023. The 25-year-old suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 6 but only missed three games with a bye mixed in. However, Shenault suffered a new ankle injury in the Week 12 loss to the Tennessee Titans and will now miss at least the next four games. He hasn't been on the fantasy radar this year with only 10 receptions for 60 yards while adding 12 carries for 55 yards. With Shenault out, Terrace Marshall Jr. has the clearest path to WR4 duties in Carolina behind Adam Thielen, DJ Chark Jr. and rookie Jonathan Mingo.
Laviska Shenault Jr., Tommy Tremble Absent From Practice
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle) and tight end Tommy Tremble (hip) missed practice on Wednesday. Both players were ruled out in Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans, with Shenault tweaking his ankle while Tremble injured his hip. With a few more practices left ahead of Sunday's meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there's a chance they could practice, at least in a limited capacity. However, neither Tremble nor Shenault have done much this season in terms of production, so their statuses won't impact managers either way.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle) didn't return to the Week 12 loss the Titans. The wideout returned briefly after sustaining an ankle injury. However, he was eventually ruled out, finishing the day with one catch for eight yards. Shenault hasn't been much of a factor for fantasy managers throughout the 2023-24 campaign, catching only nine passes for 52 yards. Considering he's been banged up of late, there's a chance he won't play in Week 13 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That said, his absence will have a minimal impact on anything outside of the special teams unit.
Laviska Shenault Jr. Returns, Terrace Marshall Jr. Inactive
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle) is officially active for the Week 11 game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. As a result, Terrace Marshall Jr. will be a healthy scratch. Shenault was listed as questionable for this one, but the 25-year-old will make his return after a three-game absence. Still, he's well off the fantasy radar and could be eased back into the offense as a depth option behind wideouts Adam Thielen and rookie Jonathan Mingo. Given how bad Carolina's offense has been in 2023 with rookie quarterback Bryce Young at the helm, only Thielen has been a consistent fantasy option this year. Shenault has just seven catches for 43 yards and no touchdowns in six games so far this season.