The Los Angeles Chargers have concluded the preseason. Who makes the team's final 53-man roster?
Los Angeles Chargers final 53-man roster projection with preseason in the books originally appeared on The Sporting News
The Los Angeles Chargers have concluded their preseason and most of the 53-man roster is likely already penciled in. The Chargers will have until 1:00 PM Pacific time on Tuesday to get down to the league-mandated 53 players.
After that, the fun begins. The Chargers may look at players waived by other teams and may consider making trades, as they did last season when they added Elijah Molden and Taylor Heinicke just before the season started.
There will be some tough decisions to be made by Joe Hortiz, Jim Harbaugh and the rest of the coaching staff, but the team will hope to move several of the players they cut over to the practice squad. Here is the final projected 53-player roster before things become official.
Los Angeles Chargers 53-man roster projection
Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Trey Lance
Cuts: Taylor Heinicke, D.J. Uiagalelei
Trey Lance simply outplayed Taylor Heinicke this summer and stole the job from him. The Chargers should attempt to trade Heinicke before just cutting him.
Running Back (4): Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, Hassan Haskins, Raheim Sanders
Cuts: Kimani Vidal, Nyheim Hines-Miller, Jaret Patterson
The health of Najee Harris, who has missed the entire summer with an eye injury stemming from a fireworks accident, has been a huge negative for the Chargers. Assuming Harris will be available for Week 1, these will be the four running backs the team goes with. However, Harris could begin the season on the NFI (Non-Football Injury) list and that would keep the door open for Kimani Vidal for at least four more weeks.
Wide Receiver (6): Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, Tre Harris, Quentin Johnston, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis
Cuts: Brenden Rice, Jaylen Johnson, Jalen Reagor, JaQuae Jackson, Dalevon Campbell, Luke Grimm
The Chargers have improved this group as much as they could and although Quentin Johnston is one of the worst wide receivers on the roster, he won't go anywhere since he was once a first-round pick.
Dalevon Campbell and Luke Grimm should find their way to the practice squad.
Tight End (3): Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Oronde Gadsden II
Cuts: Tucker Fisk, Stevo Klotz, Thomas Yassmin
Fullback (1): Scott Matlock
Offensive Line (9): Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Trey Pipkins, Jamaree Salyer, Branson Taylor, Andre James, David Sharpe
Cuts: Ryan Nelson, Karsen Barnhart, Corey Stewart, Josh Kaltenberger, Nash Jones
This group is far too weak for Harbaugh's liking, so expect the team to scour the waiver wire for replacements. Only about six of these guys are safe.
Defensive Line (6): Da'Shawn Hand, Teair Tart, Otito Ogbinnia, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Naquan Jones
Cuts: Christopher Hinton, TeRah Edwards, Nesta Jade Silvera
This group is also one that could have some more depth added to it, but the difference between those on the right side of the cut line and those who aren't seems very clear.
Outside Linebacker (5): Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipolotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard, Caleb Murphy
Cuts: Tremon Morris-Brash, Kylan Guidry, Garmon Randolph
Caleb Murphy should not just be on the 53-man roster, he should see time in the regular season. He had one of the best summers of anyone on the roster.
Inside Linebacker (4): Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Del'Shawn Phillips
Cuts: Marlowe Wax, Emany Johnson, Kana'i Mauga
This prediction is with the assumption that Junior Colson will start the season on injured reserve.
Marlowe Wax will be a tough cut because he deserves a spot on the roster, but he will be a certain practice squad addition if he clears waivers.
Cornerback (5): Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, Ja'Sir Taylor, Nikko Reed
Cuts: Benjamin St. Juste, Trikweze Bridges, Myles Purchase, Eric Rogers, Harrison Hand, Nehemiah Shelton
This is where the team decides to take a chance. Undrafted free agent Nikko Reed makes the team over Benjamin St. Juste, who was just a poor free-agent signing.
Safety (5): Derwin James, Elijah Molden, Alohi Gilman, Tony Jefferson, R.J. Mickens
Cuts: Jaylen Jones, Kendall Williamson
This is a pretty straightforward group to predict. R.J. Mickens impressed as a rookie.
Specialists (3)
Kicker: Cameron Dicker
Long Snapper: Josh Harris
Punter: JK Scott
MORE CHARGERS CONTENT
Chargers strangely move Trey Pipkins in trade proposal involving AFC South team
Chargers picked to land talented young wide receiver for next to nothing
Chargers trade proposal has team sending Elijah Molden in package to acquire Trey Hendrickson
Chargers predicted to get off to rough regular season start within the division
Category: Football
