Entering his third season, Chargers tight end Sean Culkin is eager to show his worth.
Culkin, the undrafted free agent out of Missouri, has caught the eye of offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt in the team’s practices.
“Culkin’s done a really nice job. I think that’s one of the things that’s been a pleasant surprise. He’s been in the system for a couple of years and he’s done really well. [We’ll] see if he can continue with that,” Whisenhunt said, per the team’s official website.
The 6-foot-5 and 245 pound TE amassed 61 catches for two touchdowns in 48 games in college. Culkin, who’s known for his blocking abilities, flashed as a pass catcher upon entering the league, hauling in nine receptions for 77 yards in four preseason games in 2017.
In 2018, Culkin crept up the depth chart after the season-ending injury to Hunter Henry. He was still listed underneath Virgil Green and Antonio Gates, but he saw an uptick in snaps.
Culkin posted his first regular season reception against the Chiefs. He took off down the sideline and went up for a jump-ball in double-coverage. The pass from quarterback Philip Rivers fit into a perfect window, and he came down with the catch.
Despite missing the last few games because of a back injury, Culkin managed to play in a total of 12 games.
With how slim the positional group is, the ball will be in his court to show that he can stamp himself as a viable option in the offense this upcoming season.
It won’t be a gimme for Culkin, though. He will have to beat out the other tight ends competing for the third and final roster spot. Whisenhunt said some of the team’s younger players at the position have flashed in practice.
