Benjamin announced Tuesday that he intends to opt out of the 2020 campaign, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Prior to opting out, Benjamin appeared on track to compete for a key early-season role in San Francisco's receiver corps due to Deebo Samuel (foot) and Richie James (wrist) both nursing injuries. The 30-year-old has proven effective as a deep threat and No. 3 contributor across his eight-year career, but he was held to just six catches with the Chargers in 2019.
Aug 4, 2020 7:41 PM EST
Benjamin (quadriceps) could see more opportunities in training camp following to injuries to Deebo Samuel (foot) and Richie James (wrist), Doug Williams of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Analysis: Neither wideout has been ruled out for the start of the season, but with both sidelined for at least two months there's a real possibility that ends up being the case. Benjamin signed on a one-year deal in March after catching only 18 passes for 216 yards and one touchdown in 17 games for the Chargers over the past two seasons. The 30-year-old will potentially see more reps with starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo as a result of the injuries, but he still figures to be in competition with Jalen Hurd, Dante Pettis and Trent Taylor.
Jul 4, 2020 5:23 PM EST
Benjamin (quadriceps) is signing a one-year contract with the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: The 30-year-old joins a crowded wideout depth chart in San Francisco, where Deebo Samuel is the only sure-thing starter but Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor (foot), Dante Pettis, Marquise Goodwin (knee), Richie James and Jalen Hurd (back) could all be in the mix for snaps. Benjamin may thus find himself battling for a roster spot, depending on what happens with injuries, cuts and trades in the coming months. He spent the past four seasons with the Chargers, unable to recapture the magic of his 2015 breakout season in Cleveland.
Mar 24, 2020 12:11 PM EST
Benjamin (quad) and the Chargers have agreed to part ways, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Benjamin made it through the entirety of a four-year, $24 million contract, agreeing to a restructure last April to stay with the team for another season. After seeing just 24 targets in 12 games during the 2018 campaign, Benjamin was limited to 16 targets in five games in 2019, with a quad injury sending him to injured reserve in October. The 30-year-old wide receiver has never come close to matching his 966-yard season with Cleveland in 2015, and he hasn't played much of a role in the return game since 2017. Benjamin may need to battle for a 53-man roster spot at his next NFL stop.
Mar 3, 2020 7:22 AM EST
Benjamin (quad) has been placed on IR.
Analysis: Benjamin hasn't produced much while working behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but his injury is another hit the Chargers' depth at wideout and will likely necessitate a move to fortify the position. Currently next up on the depth chart behind the team's top duo are Geremy Davis and Andre Patton
Oct 17, 2019 10:49 AM EST
Benjamin (quad) didn't practice Wednesday.
Analysis: Five games into his 2019 season, Benjamin has logged just six catches (on 16 targets) for 30 yards. He figures to remain off the fantasy radar as long as fellow wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams remain healthy.
Oct 16, 2019 3:49 PM EST
Benjamin caught one of four targets for no yardage gain during Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Steelers.
Analysis: Benjamin hasn't yet scored or surpassed 15 receiving yards in a contest this season. As an afterthought in the Chargers' offense behind Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler, Benjamin remains off the fantasy radar.
Oct 14, 2019 9:14 AM EST
Benjamin (hip) caught one of his two targets for 13 yards in the 20-13 loss Sunday to the Broncos.
Analysis: Playing just 40 offensive snaps, Benjamin was clearly the Chargers' third option at wideout, easily outpacing Andre Patton (16 snaps) in terms of playing time, however that led to little in the way of actual production, registering a fourth consecutive game under 20 receiving yards. It's hard to suggest Benjamin's fantasy outlook will improve, particularly with Mike Williams (back) on the mend and Melvin Gordon back from his early-season holdout.
Oct 8, 2019 7:44 AM EST
Benjamin (hip) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
Analysis: As is Mike Williams (back), which sets the stage for Benjamin to serve as the Chargers' No. 3 receiver Sunday. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder can break off the occasional big play, but he's logged just four catches on 10 targets for 17 yards in his three games to date this season, despite recording 30 or more snaps in each of those contests.
Oct 6, 2019 11:40 AM EST
Benjamin (hip) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos.
Analysis: Benjamin was a full participant in practice Friday which bodes well for his game-time status. Considering Mike Williams (back) was also able to practice in full capacity, it appears as if the Chargers will have their top three wide receivers available which would likely relegate Benjamin to his customary reserve role, netting just 10 targets across three games despite playing at least 30 or more snaps in each contest.
Oct 4, 2019 12:53 PM EST
Benjamin (hip) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
Analysis: Benjamin was also limited in Wednesday's session, so he may need to advance to full participation in Friday's practice in order for the Chargers to feel more bullish on his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Broncos. If cleared to play this weekend, Benjamin should be in store for another healthy snap count as a complementary option in the passing game behind top target Keenan Allen.
Oct 3, 2019 3:32 PM EST
Benjamin (hip) was limited at practice Wednesday.
Analysis: Mike Williams (back) was also limited Wednesday, which suggests that the duo could return to provide top wideout Keenan Allen with some support in the team's pass-catching corps Sunday against the Broncos. That would be a welcome development, given that Dontrelle Inman -- who helped fill in for Benjamin and Williams in Week 4 -- has landed on IR with a quad injury.
Oct 2, 2019 4:04 PM EST
Benjamin (hip) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
Analysis: Benjamin was given a doubtful designation coming out of Friday's practice, so he was never a good bet to suit up in Week 4. With Benjamin and Mike Williams (back) sidelined, the likes of Dontrelle Inman, Geremy Davis and Andre Patton should be pressed into more enhanced roles alongside top wideout Keenan Allen.
Sep 29, 2019 8:42 AM EST
Benjamin (hip), who is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, isn't in line to play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: The doubtful designation already made it unlikely that Benjamin wouldn't play Week 4, but Schefter's report adds further confirmation on that front. Though Benjamin hasn't made a major impact on offense this season, his absence looms more larger than it normally might with fellow wideout Mike Williams (back), tight ends Virgil Green (groin) and Hunter Henry (knee) and running back Justin Jackson (calf) already ruled out for the contest.
Sep 29, 2019 6:06 AM EST
Benjamin (hip) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game in Miami.
Analysis: With Mike Williams (knee) already ruled out, the Chargers will turn to Dontrelle Inman and Geremy Davis behind target hog Keenan Allen. The team also ruled out tight ends Hunter Henry (knee) and Virgil Green (groin), leaving Sean Culkin and Lance Kendricks as the healthy options at the position. Confirmation of Benjamin's active/inactive status will be available approximately 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff.
Sep 27, 2019 11:58 AM EST
Benjamin (hip) wasn't spotted at Friday's practice,Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: With that, Benjamin looks pretty iffy for Sunday's game against the Dolphins. If he misses the contest, added snaps in the Chargers' Week 4 offense would be available for Dontrelle Inman and Geremy Davis.
Sep 27, 2019 10:26 AM EST
Benjamin (hip) didn't participate in practice Thursday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: With no reps through the Chargers' first two practices of Week 4, Benjamin's availability for Sunday's game against the Dolphins is beginning to look like a question mark. Even when ostensibly healthy this season, Benjamin has made little impact on offense for the Chargers, hauling in only four of his 10 targets for 17 yards and no scores.
Sep 26, 2019 1:52 PM EST
Benjamin (hip) didn't practice Wednesday.
Analysis: Mike Williams (back) also missed Wednesday's practice, and if either of the two are limited at all (or out) Sunday against the Dolphins, Dontrelle Inman would be next up for added looks in the Chargers' Week 4 passing game.
Sep 25, 2019 3:45 PM EST
Benjamin caught two of his five targets for five yards in the 27-20 loss to the Texans on Sunday.
Analysis: It's clear Benjamin is firmly behind Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in terms of the Chargers' target tree. What's more, the speedy veteran did little with his season-high five targets thus continuing a season-long trend in which Benjamin is averaging an astoundingly low 1.7 yards-per-target.
Sep 23, 2019 8:53 AM EST
Benjamin was targeted twice during Sunday's 13-10 loss to Detroit, but did not record a catch.
Analysis: Benjamin has jus 12 receiving yards through two weeks. He has been held to 25 yard or fewer in 14 of his past 18 regular season games. Benjamin doesn't seem to have much of a role in a passing offense that runs heavily through Keenan Allen and is seeking a heavy dose of Austin Ekeler to start the year.
Sep 17, 2019 7:40 PM EST
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