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The Chargers made a pair of roster moves on Wednesday.
The Chargers signed offensive lineman Sam Mustipher from the practice squad to the active roster, the team announced on Wednesday.
Los Angeles also signed cornerback Kendall Williamson to the practice squad to fill the void.
Mustipher has appeared in two games, with one start at right guard against the Chiefs.
Williamson was a seventh-round selection by the Bears in the 2023 NFL draft. He has spent time on the Bears and Bills practice squads.
DJ Chark was placed on injured reserve Sept. 7, and now his 21-day window is open.
The Chargers have designated wide receiver DJ Chark to return from injured reserve.
Chark was back at practice on Wednesday.
Chark was placed on the injured reserve on Sept. 7 with a hip injury. He has missed the last five games.
With Chark’s 21-day window open, he must either be activated to the 53-man roster or placed on season-ending injured reserve by the end of the three-week period.
Chark signed with the Bolts in May. The 28-year-old wideout was a standout during training camp and was projected to be a starter before sustaining the injury.
Now that he’s back in the fold, Chark will inject the offense with the speed and vertical element it desperately needs.
Chark earned Pro Bowl status in his second season in the league, which came in 2019 with the Jaguars. That year, he caught a career-high 73 passes for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns.
Chark is the only receiver on the Chargers to surpass the 1,000-yard receiving mark.
The Chargers suffered a few more injuries in Week 6, but several players stepped up in the meantime.
The Chargers head into Week 7 with a 3-2 record and entirely in the thick of the AFC playoff picture. It was a huge divisional victory against the Broncos as Jim Harbaugh’s squad was able to control the game in the trenches.
A few more injuries stacked up, but it was still a successful weekend for Los Angeles. Check out what Chargers players either improved or hurt their stock in Week.
Stock up: OL Zion Johnson
Johnson has really put things together in his third year in the NFL. That continued in Week 6 against the Broncos, as he was one of the Chargers’ best performers on the field. Johnson has been one of the best guards in the NFL this season, particularly in the run game. He’s one of two Chargers who played 100% of the team’s snaps in 2024. Johnson figures to be a key cog in the future of this evolving offensive line.
Stock down: CB Asante Samuel Jr.
After a superb 2023 campaign, Samuel hasn’t been nearly as good this season. Thankfully, other cornerbacks like Kristian Fulton have stepped up big, and the Chargers will need more of that. Samuel was placed on the IR after the team’s victory over the Broncos. The fourth-year corner has been dealing with a shoulder injury all year, so hopefully, this IR stint will freshen him for the second half of Los Angeles’ schedule.
Stock up: RB Kimani Vidal
Make plays and you’ll earn yourself playing time. That’s just what Vidal did against the Broncos. Heading into Week 6, the rookie tailback had yet to appear in an NFL game. Gus Edwards’ injury forced the Chargers to use Vidal, and he passed with flying colors. The rookie sixth-rounder finished with 51 yards from scrimmage, including a 38-yard receiving touchdown in the first quarter. Vidal may have just won himself the backup running back role behind J.K. Dobbins.
Stock down: RB Gus Edwards
Unfortunately, the veteran appears in this category once again. He’s seen his snaps dwindle as the season has passed, and now he’s been placed on the IR with an ankle injury. With guys like Vidal stepping up, it may be hard for Edwards to see the field if/when he returns from injury later this season.
Stock up: CB Elijah Molden
Molden was all over the field in Sunday’s victory. He’s just the latest example of Jesse Minter’s and the defense’s depth on this squad. With the injury to Samuel, he will be asked to step up in a big way over the next month. In Week 6, Molden finished with four tackles, a pass deflection, and a huge interception on the game’s first drive.
There were little expectations for the Chargers heading into 2024. After a 2-2 start, there is room for optimism for a possible playoff run.
It’s hard to believe we are already over a quarter of the way through the 2024 NFL season. Just like that, the Chargers are 2-2 and have already had their bye week.
The start to the season has come with mixed results, which has included some pleasant surprises and unfortunate disappointments. Through four games, here are some of the team’s studs and duds in 2024 so far.
Stud: Khalil Mack
Just a few years ago, some pondered if Mack’s best days were already behind him. Well, he responded with a career-high 17 sacks in 2023, his second year with the Chargers. Four games into the 2024 season, and he’s been elite once again. The 33-year-old has 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. He’s been elite in defending the run and seems to be well on his way to his ninth career Pro Bowl appearance.
Dud: Bradley Bozeman
Center was a major area of need this past offseason. The team decided to sign veteran Bradley Bozeman, who had 77 career starts under his belt entering 2024. Unfortunately, he’s been one of the worst centers in football so far. Bozeman has been particularly bad in pass blocking, and it may be sooner rather than later before the Chargers try someone else at the position.
Stud: Kristian Fulton
We’ve talked endlessly about Fulton on his site, so it’s only right that he finds his way with the studs of the 2024 season. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the fifth-best cornerback in the NFL so far this season. Fulton signed a one-year deal worth just over $3 million and it looks to be one of the best value deals of the offseason. If he can keep this up, look for him to get a nice contract next offseason.
Dud: Gus Edwards
Edwards tallied a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns in 2023, which was tied-for-fifth in the NFL. He’s yet to reach the endzone as a Charger and in turn, he’s seemingly lost the job to J.K. Dobbins. After splitting duties with Dobbins in the first two weeks, Edwards has registered a total of just nine carries over the last two games. The veteran has averaged 3.0 yards per carry and hasn’t added anything in the pass game either.
Stud: Rashawn Slater
Rookie Joe Alt has gotten a lot of attention, and rightfully so. With that being said, Slater continues to be prove himself as one of the best tackles in all of football. He’s been elite throughout his four-year career, and the Chargers have a phenomenal foundation along the offensive line between Slater, Alt, and Zion Johnson. Slater did miss the team’s Week 4 game against the Chiefs, but he was great in each of the first three weeks. The former Northwestern product should make it to his second career Pro Bowl if he continues to play at this level.
Dud: Hayden Hurst
I wrote about the lack of production from the tight end position just over a week ago. Hayden Hurst has registered six catches for 59 yards while his counterpart Will Dissly has looked noticeably better. Perhaps more importantly, Hurst has not been awfully poor as a run blocker. With the way things are trending at the moment, tight end will be a major area of need for the Chargers next offseason.
Here is a look at the Los Angeles Chargers’ current unofficial depth chart.
The Chargers reconstructed their coaching staff and roster this offseason. Now, it’s time to take the field.
With five days until the Bolts’ first game of the 2024 regular season, here is a look at the team’s unofficial depth chart going into Week 1.
Quarterback
Starter: Justin Herbert
Backups: Easton Stick and Taylor Heinicke
Running back
Starter: J.K. Dobbins OR Gus Edwards
Backups: Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins
Fullback
Starter: Scott Matlock
Backups: None
Wide receiver
Starters: Joshua Palmer, DJ Chark OR Quentin Johnston
Backups: Derius Davis, Ladd McConkey, Simi Fehoko and Brenden Rice
Tight end
Starter: Hayden Hurst OR Will Dissly
Backups: Stone Smartt
Offensive tackles
Starters: Rashawn Slater (LT) and Joe Alt (RT)
Backups: Foster Sarell (LT and RT)
Interior offensive linemen
Starters: Zion Johnson (LG), Bradley Bozeman (C) and Trey Pipkins III (RG)
Backups: Jordan McFadden (LG), Brenden Jaimes (C) and Jamaree Salyer (RG)
Interior defensive linemen
Starters: Morgan Fox, Poona Ford and Otito Ogbonnia
Backups: Scott Matlock, Teair Tart and Justin Eboigbe
Edge rusher
Starters: Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack
Backups: Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu
Inside linebacker
Starters: Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley
Backups: Troy Dye and Junior Colson
Cornerback
Starters: Asante Samuel, Jr. and Kristian Fulton
Backups: Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart
Safety
Starters: Derwin James, Jr. and Alohi Gilman
Backups: AJ Finley and Elijah Molden
Kicker
Cameron Dicker
Punter
JK Scott
Long snapper
Josh Harris
Kick returner
Starter: Derius Davis
Backups: Ladd McConkey
Punt returner
Starter: Derius Davis
Backups: Ladd McConkey
Projecting the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive depth chart ahead of their Week 1 contest with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Chargers are just days away from opening the Jim Harbaugh era against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. After churning the bottom of the roster with an urgency rarely seen from the franchise, Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz have set the roster for Week 1.
A depth chart has yet to be released, however. Here’s a look at what it might look like on defense when it comes out, from starters to backups.
Defensive line
| Starter | Backup | |
| DE | Morgan Fox | Justin Eboigbe |
| NT | Poona Ford | Teair Tart |
| DT | Otito Ogbonnia | Scott Matlock |
Tart may end up starting sooner rather than later, and he should still play a decent amount on Sunday. But with only a few weeks under his belt as a Charger, he’ll likely start the season as a backup. Fox, Ford, and Ogbonnia were established as the starters before Tart arrived. Matlock got some work with the first team and will rotate in as well. Eboigbe had a quiet rookie preseason but will provide much-needed depth.
Edge rusher
| Starter | Backup | |
| EDGE | Khalil Mack | Tuli Tuipulotu |
| EDGE | Joey Bosa | Bud Dupree |
Mack and Bosa will return fully healthy after 2023 limited the snaps the duo saw together. Bosa had a club removed from his broken left hand at practice on Monday, setting the pair up for the start on Sunday. Tuipulotu will see plenty of work in his second season after a strong rookie season and will be on the field in three rusher sets. Dupree will rotate in as a veteran presence and designated rusher as well.
Linebacker
| Starter | Backup | |
| LB1 | Denzel Perryman | Junior Colson |
| LB2 | Daiyan Henley | Troy Dye |
With Nick Niemann on injured reserve, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Chargers elevate Shaquille Quarterman off the practice squad for Sunday’s game. Perryman hardly played in the preseason as LA’s top linebacker after returning to the franchise from Houston. Henley has been the second linebacker in camp and will likely stay on the field for dime sets. Colson missed a portion of camp with appendicitis and will rotate in to begin the season, but may start sooner than later. Dye will primarily add value on special teams.
Secondary
| Starter | Backup | |
| CB1 | Asante Samuel Jr. | Deane Leonard |
| CB2 | Kristian Fulton | Cam Hart |
| SLOT | Ja’Sir Taylor | Tarheeb Still |
| S1 | Derwin James Jr. | Elijah Molden |
| S2 | Alohi Gilman | AJ Finley |
Samuel and Fulton have been set as the starters since Fulton signed with the Chargers in free agency. Leonard had an impressive preseason and will be the first corner off the bench. Hart missed part of camp with an injury and had an up-and-down preseason.
In the slot, Taylor will retain the job with Still serving as depth. The rookie can also play on the outside and will step in there if needed. James and Molden will also take snaps in the slot depending on alignment.
James and Gilman are set as the starters at safety after Gilman signed an extension with the Chargers this offseason. James will be deployed in his usual versatile role, which will leave snaps on the back end for Molden and Finley on the back end. Finley grabbed the third safety spot in training camp, but LA traded for Molden after roster cuts after he started eight games at safety for the Titans in 2023.
Projecting the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive depth chart ahead of their Week 1 contest with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Chargers are just days away from opening the Jim Harbaugh era against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. After churning the bottom of the roster with an urgency rarely seen from the franchise, Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz have set the roster for Week 1.
A depth chart has yet to be released, however. Here’s a look at what it might look like on offense when it comes out, from starters to backups.
Quarterback
| Starter | Backup | Reserve | |
| QB | Justin Herbert | Easton Stick | Taylor Heinicke |
Herbert will start after returning from an injury to his plantar fascia earlier in training camp. While Stick struggled mightily this preseason, he’ll likely open the season as the primary backup while the newly acquire Heinicke gets up to speed with Greg Roman’s offensive scheme.
Running back
| Starter | Backup | Reserve | Reserve | |
| RB | JK Dobbins | Gus Edwards | Kimani Vidal | Hassan Haskins |
It wouldn’t be surprising if Dobbins and Edwards are listed as co-starters here, as both will get plenty of run with the starting offense. Dobbins will likely lead the team in rushing, with Edwards inserted in goal-line situations. Vidal, a sixth-round rookie, may see some situational work as well as the only back who played for the Chargers this preseason. Haskins is in a similar boat to Heinicke after arriving on waivers from Tennessee and will also be the backup returner.
Wide receiver
| Starter | Backup | Reserve | |
| WR1 | Josh Palmer | Brenden Rice | Simi Fehoko |
| WR2 | Ladd McConkey | Quentin Johnston | |
| WR3 | DJ Chark Jr. | Derius Davis |
It’ll be interesting to see who fills in for Chark if he can’t go on Sunday, as the veteran was not at practice on Monday. Rice has worked with the first team more often throughout training camp, but he was on the roster bubble along with Fehoko only a week ago. Johnston has made some strides in camp and may be given those opportunities earlier on. Palmer should be the primary option to start the season and McConkey will start in the slot. Davis will be the returner again this season and will get some work on gadget plays. Fehoko will primarily play special teams but had a strong preseason and may get some work on offense as a result.
Tight end
| Starter | Backup | Reserve | |
| TE | Will Dissly | Hayden Hurst | Stone Smartt |
Dissly and Hurst will both see ample time in Roman’s offense, which utilizes 12 personnel at a high rate. Both have the ability to serve as receiving and blocking options on any given play. Smartt took a big step forward as a blocker to win the TE3 job from Donald Parham Jr., who signed with the Broncos practice squad following cuts.
Offensive line
| Starter | Backup | |
| LT | Rashawn Slater | Foster Sarell |
| LG | Zion Johnson | Jordan McFadden |
| C | Bradley Bozeman | Brenden Jaimes |
| RG | Trey Pipkins III | Jamaree Salyer |
| RT | Joe Alt |
No surprises here, as the starting five has been set since the Chargers took Alt fifth overall in April. Pipkins will slide inside and start at right guard, pushing 2023 starter Salyer to the bench. Slater and Johnson will reprise their roles on the left side. Bozeman has experience in the Roman offense at center. Jaimes can play center or either guard spot. McFadden will see some run at fullback in jumbo packages while providing depth at guard. Sarell won the swing tackle job but also looked good at guard in the preseason – if a tackle goes down, we may see some shifting around rather than a direct Sarell substitution.
Find out who will be the captains for the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2024 season.
The Chargers have selected their leaders.
Jim Harbaugh announced the team captains for the 2024 regular season, which opens at home against the Raiders next Sunday.
They are as follows:
Justin Herbert
Derwin James, Jr.
Khalil Mack
Rashawn Slater
Bradley Bozeman
Denzel Perryman
Harbaugh said one special teams captain will rotate each week.
The Bolts’ season opener is on Sunday, Sept. 8, and will kick off at 1:05 p.m. PT.
After cutting their roster to 53 players on Tuesday, the Chargers brought in three new players.
The Chargers set an initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, but that changed after the team made a few roster moves over the past couple of days.
Here is a look at the updated squad:
Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Easton Stick
Running back (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins
Wide receiver (7): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko, Brenden Rice
Tight end (3): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Stone Smartt
Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Foster Sarell
Edge rusher (4): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree
Interior defensive line (6): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe
Linebacker (4): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye
Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart
Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, Elijah Molden
Specialists (3): K Cameron Dicker, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris
The Chargers made several roster moves on Thursday.
The Chargers made several roster moves on Thursday, including making the signing of quarterback Taylor Heinicke official.
Los Angeles will send the Falcons a 2025 seventh-round pick that converts into a 2025 sixth-rounder if certain conditions are met.
In correspondence, the team released safety Tony Jefferson and waived running back Jaret Patterson. Jefferson was signed to the practice squad.
Additionally, L.A. signed center Sam Mustipher and tight end Eric Tomlinson to the practice squad. Cornerback Robert Kennedy was released from the practice squad.
Mustipher spent the 2023 season with the Ravens, appearing in seven games and starting two. Before that, he spent the first three seasons of his career with the Bears, where he made 40 starts.
Tomlinson has played in 85 career games (53 starts) between seven teams (Ravens, Texans, Broncos, Giants, Raiders, Jets and Eagles). He has totaled 27 receptions for 280 yards (10.4 yards per catch) and three touchdowns.
