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Following the 2021 NFL draft, the Chargers announced the signing of 10 undrafted free agents with one of them being former Auburn wideout Eli Stove. Stove had the most name-power among all the signings and fans were ready to name him as the UDFA they were most excited about heading into rookie minicamp.
However, Stove never actually got there. Prior to the team’s minicamp, Stove was no longer on the Chargers roster and there was no reason given for his absence.
But finally, we have some answers on the matter.
According to senior SEC reporter for AL.com, Stove recently found out on Wednesday that he had a torn ACL and proceeded to immediately repair it with surgery. Due to his ailment, Stove failed the team physical and that’s why he never got the chance to join the Chargers this offseason.
Stove entered the 2020 season as the Tigers’ most-experienced wideout but was expected to play mainly special teams as a return man with the Bolts. Unfortunately, he’ll have to put his NFL dreams on hold as he rehabs this injury.
Unfortunate news for one of Auburn's NFL rookies:
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) June 2, 2021
Eli Stove found out today that he has a torn ACL and underwent surgery, per sources. Had been set to join the Chargers as an undrafted free agent but was waived after not passing the physical.
The Chargers have yet to sign another player to replace Stove and with the Charger having just over 80 players on the roster, there’s still a chance we see an addition or two before the offseason comes to an end.