Joe Barksdale was not with the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday night as they gutted out a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He missed the game due to personal reasons, and on Monday he sent a message out on Twitter seemingly announcing his release.
I just want to take a moment to say thank you to the Chargers organization and all of the true die hard Charger Fans. Since 2015 this team has been my home and my teammates my family. I will truly miss everyone, but look forward to what the future has in store for me.
— Joseph Barksdale (@jbdale72) December 3, 2018
The Chargers have yet to make any statement confirming Barksdale has been released, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Media did report the move is happening.
#Chargers are waiving veteran OT Joe Barksdale, source said. Barksdale (@jbdale72 tweeted his goodbye). He’s been inactive as of late, but is healthy.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 3, 2018
However, his own statement strongly suggests he’s no longer a part of the Chargers organization.
A third-round pick in 2011, Barksdale has been with the Chargers since the 2015 season. This season, he appeared in six games and started one at right tackle. Over the course of his eight-year career, he has tallied 74 starts while appearing in 102 games.