NEW YORK — Darlington graduate Alex Erickson was among those released on Aug. 28 by the New York Jets as part of their preseason roster cut downs. Teams around the league had to trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players by 3 p.m. Aug. 29.

Two days later, Erickson signed with the Chargers, as one 16 practice squad players.

Erickson, a wide receiver and kick returner, signed with the Jets in the offseason, hoping to latch on to his fourth team in as many years.

In his final preseason game on Aug. 26, he had one punt return for six yards and caught five passes for 38 yards, including two touchdowns from Jets backup QB Tim Boyle in the fourth quarter of their 32-24 win over the New York Giants. It was also the first game Aaron Rodgers suited up for the Jets since his departure from the Green Bay Packers this past offseason.

Rodgers gave positive comments about Erickson to the media following the game.

“I thought Alex had a great night as well,” Rodgers said. “He’s a really smart guy, he’s always doing the right thing. And that’s the beauty of camp, you never know what’s going to happen when it’s live and guys separate themselves. Guys who might look good in practice might not play as well in the games. Guys that you’re not quite sure about can jump out sometimes in these live situations.”

Erickson, a former Wisconsin Badger, finished the preseason with nine catches on 10 targets for 85 yards.

Erickson was one of 11 initial waived or released players from the Jets. Other former Badger players cut so far include DB Scott Nelson (Lions), RB Corey Clement (Cardinals) and OL Tyler Beach (Texans).