Darrell

Stuckey

Stuckey emerged as a key special teamer last season, and the defensive staff likes his size and speed package. Bob Sanders won’t be back after lasting just two games in San Diego, and 13-game starter Steve Gregory is intent on testing the market as a free agent. More of a two-down safety, Stuckey could split the job with a player acquired through free agency or the draft.

There’s no timetable for Stuckey’s return to practice. He’s a core special teamer and third safety for the Chargers.

Stuckey originally went down in Week 12 before apparently aggravating the injury on Sunday. The third-year pro appeared in 12 games this season, but made zero starts. He finishes with 12 tackles and two forced fumbles. Signed through next season, Stuckey should be back as a special teamer and reserve defensive back.

Ellison was found with 100 pills of Vicodin. As a 2009 sixth-round pick that lacks speed, Ellison wasn’t a lock to make the team before this incident. The Chargers drafted safety Darrell Stuckey in the fourth round and also have Steve Gregory. Acee says Ellison may not even make it to training camp now.

Gregory served as the Bolts’ nickel back and third starter at safety last year, struggling in coverage. Stuckey projects as an upgrade there. Still, the Chargers will continue to have one of the shakiest safety situations in the league. We don’t expect much of a bounce-back for their fantasy defense.

Stuckey is the Chargers’ special teams captain. It’s a concern as he missed a few games during the 2012 season due to a serious concussion.

Stuckey was a reserve safety and standout special teamer last season, appearing in all 16 games and finishing with 21 tackles. The Chargers don’t have any important in-house free agents to re-sign after extending Donald Butler, so bringing back Stuckey is a priority.

Stuckey opened training camp on the active/PUP list with a knee issue. The Chargers couldn’t afford to wait on him with injuries mounting up. Stuckey’s release saves $2.9 million against the cap. A special teams standout, Stuckey won’t struggle to resurface when healthy.

Stuckey was the Chargers’ highest remaining in-house priority after extending Donald Butler, and will return as a special teams captain and reserve safety. He appeared in all 16 games last season, finishing with 21 tackles and 12 on special teams. Stuckey regularly drew double teams as a gunner. The 2010 fourth-round pick remains unlikely to push for significant defensive snaps.

Stuckey offers nice size, athleticism and physicality, but he struggled in coverage at times with the Jayhawks. The Chargers are weak are strong safety, so Stuckey will have a shot to play sooner rather than later. He’ll likely start out on special teams.