Michael Bandy has been a fan-favorite wide receiver since the first pre-season game against the Rams. Bandy caught seven catches for 73 yards and one touchdown in the game. He has traveled the path less taken to being officially signed to the Charger’s 53-man roster.
College:
Michael Bandy was not a highly sought-after prospect coming out of college. Bandy was a wide receiver for the University of San Diego Toreros. He finished his college career with 192 receptions, 3,924 receiving yards, and 28 touchdowns. He would end up going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, and played Spring League football following the draft.
Spring League:
Michael Bandy played in the spring league after going unselected in the draft. He played for the Spring League Conquerors and was tied for first on the team in receptions. Bandy only lasted one season in the league before being signed by the Los Angeles Chargers on June 18th, 2021.
QB Kevin Anderson (@Andersonpassing) and WR Michael Bandy (@mikeybandz5) link up for the Conquerors' first passing TD of the game. pic.twitter.com/bI4PxLwYRv
— The Spring League 🏈 (@TheSpringLeague) October 28, 2020
First Shot:
His first chance at making the Chargers came in the offseason of the 2021 season. Unfortunately, Bandy would be waived by the team on August 16th, resigned four days later, and then was waived during final roster cuts on August 31st.
Michael Bandy made his NFL debut in week 16 of the 2021 season against the Houston Texans. He primarily played on special teams in the game, returning four kicks for 88 yards. After the game, he would spend the remainder of the season on the Charger’s practice squad.
Michael Bandy’s Turning Point:
Before being waived once again by the team on the cut day ahead of the 2022 season, Bandy turned heads in the preseason. The San Diego native commanded respect from opposing defenses during the first three games. He was the teams leading receiver with 18 receptions, 173 yards, and two touchdowns.
Look at how pumped Brandon Staley was after Michael Bandy's catch in the two-min drill pic.twitter.com/CFIMyR34i3
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 6, 2022
Bandy made his season debut against the Houston Texans in week four. He has suited up for three games so far this season, catching three passes for 53 yards. Michael Bandy has made the most of his opportunities to shine this season, and he is getting an even bigger one now.
Michael Bandy Signed to 53-man roster:
It’s no news that the Chargers have been bitten by the injury bug this season. Losing key players like Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater, and Keenan Allen, the next-man-up mentality has been forced into the depth chart. On October 22nd, 2022 former Torero Michael Bandy has been officially signed to the Charger’s active roster.
The Chargers will be without Joshua Palmer, who is in concussion protocol, and are still on the fence about whether Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen will play. Allen has come out and told reporters that he will be out there if he can play. However, he would be more comfortable sitting the week seven home game out with the bye week coming the following week.
With a week seven matchup against the Seattle Seahawks coming this Sunday, the Chargers may look to Bandy to play in an expanded role. This will be an incredible opportunity for Bandy to show the Chargers he is deserving of a spot on the active roster.
The Chargers will host the Seattle Seahawks on October 23rd at 4:25 EST / 1:25 PST. Following the game, the Chargers will get a long break before traveling across the country to face the Falcons in week 9, and then back home to face the 49ers on Sunday Night Football.
Related: Week 7: Charger’s Keys to Victory
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