Tag: Chargers depth chart

Chargers 53-man roster projection: Final prediction before cutdown day

Here’s one final guess at what the initial Chargers 53-man roster will look like.

Training camp and preseason play are over, so now the Chargers coaching staff will use them as their resources to get the roster from 91 players to 53 ahead of the 2024 regular season.

The team will have until 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday to make their cuts.

With that being said, here is our final projection of what we believe the initial roster will look like.

Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick

Stick had the opportunity all summer to show he’s a serviceable backup, but he failed to do so. I believe he will make the initial roster, but Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh will see which quarterbacks are available once cuts are made and end up signing one and letting go of Stick.

Running back (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Jaret Patterson, Kimani Vidal

No changes from my last projection. Despite being a mainstay on special teams, Isaiah Spiller did not do much on the ground. Patterson was a summer standout. Vidal was productive upon returning from his injury, rushing for 49 yards on 11 carries against the Rams in Week 2.

Wide receiver (6): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko

No changes. Fehoko capped off an impressive summer with a 78-yard touchdown against the Cowboys. Brenden Rice stood out in training camp, but the same thing can’t be said about his performances in the preseason, mainly due to the lackluster quarterback play. Rice is worthy of a spot. He is a sharp route runner who blocks his tail off. But I can’t see the Chargers rostering seven wideouts.

Tight end (3): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Stone Smartt

Sometimes the best ability is availability, and that does not apply to Donald Parham, who’s struggled to stay healthy. He has also not improved as a blocker, something the Chargers want from their tight ends. Meanwhile, Smartt has improved in this department. He will also make his money on special teams.

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Foster Sarell

No changes.

Edge rusher (5): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Tre’Mon Morris-Brash

I have the Chargers starting the season with five edge rushers. Chris Rumph II would’ve been given the nod after having a great summer. Unfortunately, he is dealing with a foot injury and I believe he will begin the season on the injured reserve. Morris-Brash showed some real juice as a pass rusher in training camp and preseason. He capped off his summer with a pick-six against the Cowboys.

Interior defensive line (6): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe

No changes. Eboigbe was practically nonexistent during camp and preseason. But the team used a fairly high draft pick on him, and playing defensive tackle in this league as a rookie is a learning curve so I believe he is safe.

Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Troy Dye

No changes.

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart

No changes.

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, JT Woods

Tony Jefferson had the best performance of the preseason against the Cowboys, finishing with 14 tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble. But I believe it was a little too late to warrant a roster spot. I expect him to land on the practice squad as he is not subject to waivers if he’s released. Finley played his way to being the third safety. Woods makes the squad, as he showed signs of improvement and intrigued as an outside cornerback, the position he transitioned to toward the end of the summer.

Specialists (3): K Cameron Dicker, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris

No changes.

Who are the Chargers roster locks heading into the final preseason game?

Here is a look at who should have a spot on the 53-man roster heading into the final preseason game.

The Chargers travel to Dallas to meet the Cowboys for the final preseason game.

This will be the last time players vying for a spot on the roster to make their case to the coaching staff. And for a handful of players, their job security is safe.

Here is a look at who should have a spot on the 53-man roster heading into Saturday:

QB Justin Herbert

RB Gus Edwards

RB J.K. Dobbins

WR Joshua Palmer

WR Ladd McConkey

WR Quentin Johnston

WR D.J. Chark

WR Derius Davis

TE Will Dissly

TE Hayden Hurst

OT Rashawn Slater

OT Joe Alt

IOL Zion Johnson

IOL Trey Pipkins

IOL Bradley Bozeman

IOL Jamaree Salyer

IOL Jordan McFadden

IDL Poona Ford

IDL Morgan Fox

IDL Otito Ogbonnia

EDGE Joey Bosa

EDGE Khalil Mack

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu

LB Denzel Perryman

LB Junior Colson

LB Daiyan Henley

LB Nick Niemann

CB Asante Samuel Jr.

CB Kristian Fulton

CB Ja’Sir Taylor

CB Deane Leonard

S Derwin James

S Alohi Gilman

K Cameron Dicker

P JK Scott

LS Josh Harris

JT Woods embracing position change as safety transitions to cornerback

JT Woods has the tools to excel as an outside cornerback.

The Chargers drafted JT Woods in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft in hopes of him being a play-making deep safety.

That did not materialize, however.

Now, Woods is taking on the cornerback position, with the new coaching staff hoping it will unlock his true potential.

“They wanted to try me out to see how I felt and how I looked,” Woods said about playing cornerback. “I felt pretty good.”

Woods moved to the position last week and has played there since then, including in last weekend’s preseason game against the Rams, where he logged 23 of 28 snaps at outside corner.

Since making the transition, he feels like it’s been smooth.

“Everyone in the organization has shown confidence in me with the position change,” Woods said. “So, I’m just trying to use each day to better myself and my craft.”

Standing at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds and having run a 4.36 40-yard dash, Woods possesses elite traits as a defensive back.

“I think when you do stuff like that, it’s for multiple reasons,” Jesse Minter said on Woods’ profile. “It’s to increase his value and see if that’s a good fit for him. “I’m excited about how he’s developed as a man coverage guy.”

While he has the tools to excel at the position, honing in on the technical aspect of it is even more crucial.

“The technique is completely different,” Woods said. “It’s a whole different world out there. There are going to be plays where you’re on an island, but I’m confident I can handle it.”

If Woods can continue to stack up good days at cornerback, he could be a guy they count on this upcoming season.

“There are a multitude of ways we can use him down the road to help us,” Minter said.

Chargers 53-man roster projection: Who’s in, out ahead of final preseason game

Here’s how we see the Chargers’ roster shaping up ahead of the final preseason game.

The Chargers’ second preseason game against the Rams shed more light on some players and position battles.

Here’s an attempt at predicting the 53-man roster ahead of Los Angeles’ preseason finale against the Cowboys:

Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, QB via trade or sign

I have a hard time believing that the Chargers’ backup quarterback is currently on the roster. Despite performing well as a starter in the final few games of last season when Herbert landed on injured reserve with a finger injury, Easton Stick has struggled all summer. Luis Perez has flashed, but I don’t think he’s ready for the backup role. I see Los Angeles adding someone like Tyler Huntley, Dorian Thompson-Robinson or Taylor Heinicke.

Running back (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Jaret Patterson, Kimani Vidal

Nothing changes with the first three running backs from my last projection. Patterson has received most of the reps as the third back throughout the summer. I had Isaiah Spiller over Vidal after the first week of preseason, but that changed after Vidal led the team in rushing against the Rams. There’s no denying that Vidal is a talented player who could contribute in his rookie season.

Wide receiver (6): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko

No changes to the first five wide receivers listed. But in this projection, I am giving the nod to Fehoko over Brenden Rice. Not only has Fehoko excelled on offense, as a pass-catcher and a blocker, but he’s also flourished on special teams.

Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham Jr., Tucker Fisk

Parham has been back on the field after missing some time with an injury early in the summer and has shown what he brings to the table as a receiver. I have Fisk over Stone Smartt and the undrafted free agents Luke Benson and Zach Heins because he showed some real juice as a blocker against the Rams last weekend.

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Foster Sarell

No changes.

Edge rusher (4): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree

In my last projection, Chris Rumph II made the roster as the fifth edge rusher. However, he suffered a foot injury in the preseason opener against and has been out since. I think he could end up on the injured reserve to start the season. Tre’Mon Morris-Brash has made his case to make the roster. But ultimately, I think he ends up being a practice squad candidate.

Defensive line (6): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Teair Tart, Justin Eboigbe, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock

I had the Chargers rostering five defensive tackles before. But that changed when they signed Tart, who already flashed his playmaking skills this past weekend.

Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Troy Dye

No changes.

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still

No changes.

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, Thomas Harper

The fourth safety spot between Harper and JT Woods will be a tough decision for the coaching staff. You can make the case for both players. While Woods has shown improvement and is getting reps at outside cornerback, where I believe he is better suited, Harper has made plenty of plays on defense and special teams to warrant a spot.

Specialists (3): K Cameron Dicker, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris

No changes.

Injury update: Chargers QB Justin Herbert returns to practice

QB1 is back on the practice field.

Justin Herbert is back on the practice field.

After missing time with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, Herbert was back at The Bolt, where he was spotted throwing passes and moving around at Monday’s practice.

He was diagnosed with the injury on Aug. 1.

Herbert had been in a walking boot for two weeks, which came off on Aug. 15. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper said that Herbert was not wearing cleats but “some sort of sneakers/turf shoes.”

Jim Harbaugh said he expects Herbert to be ready to play in the Chargers’ season opener against the Raiders on Sept. 8, so seeing him practicing again is encouraging.

The Bolts close out the preseason against the Cowboys on Saturday. It remains to be seen if Herbert will get some reps. Harbaugh will likely provide an update at his next media availability.

Report: Chargers signing DT Teair Tart

Teair Tart will come in and compete for a back-end roster spot.

The Chargers are signing defensive tackle Teair Tart, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The addition of Tart comes a day after the team hosted him on a visit. He boosts an interior defensive line with still a relatively young player who can make an impact against the run.

Tart spent a few months with the Dolphins before being released on Tuesday.

Before his time in Miami, Tart played four seasons with the Titans and two games with the Texans in 2023. In 47 contests (36 starts), he recorded 79 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, seven passes defended and a fumble recovery.

Tart’s best season came in 2022 with Tennessee. That year, he recorded a career-high best 26 quarterback pressures and 23 run stops.

An undrafted free agent out of Florida International, Tart amassed 51 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his two collegiate seasons.

Report: DT Teair Tart visiting with the Chargers

Teair Tart is only two years removed from his best season.

The Chargers are hosting defensive tackle Teair Tart on a visit on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The visit comes a day after Tart was released by the Dolphins, who he signed with back in April.

Before his short stint in Miami, Tart played four years with the Titans and two games with the Texans in 2023. In 47 games (36 starts), Tart recorded 79 tackles, 2.5 sacks, an interception, seven passes defended, and a fumble recovery.

Tart’s best season came in 2022 with Tennessee. That year, he recorded a career-high best 26 quarterback pressures and 23 run stops.

The Chargers’ interior defensive line consists of Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe and Scott Matlock. But with there two weeks left of preseason play, the team is looking to bring in as many players they feel could compete for a roster spot.

Chargers 53-man roster projection: Who’s in, out after preseason opener

Here’s how we see the Chargers’ roster shaking out after the first preseason game against the Seahawks.

The Chargers played their first preseason game this past Saturday, giving players on the bubble an opportunity to impress Jim Harbaugh and the rest of the coaching staff.

Who improved their odds of making the team? Here’s how we see the roster shaking out ahead of this week:

Quarterbacks (2): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick

Herbert’s injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot has raised some concerns. It will be two weeks in the walking boot on Aug. 15. He is expected to be ready for the season opener against the Raiders, but his status by then remains to be seen. Stick’s play against the Seahawks wasn’t inspiring, and it hasn’t this entire summer. But the Chargers don’t have a better option on the roster. Luis Perez, who has only been on the roster for a week, could push him for the job if he continues to show promise.

Running backs (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Jaret Patterson, Isaiah Spiller

Kimani Vidal not being included may come as a surprise. Vidal did not play this past weekend, likely due to the fact that he’s been dealing with an injury that kept him sidelined during the joint practice with the Rams. Patterson received the bulk of the carries on Saturday, and he got reps with the first-team offense in camp. Spiller gets the nod because of his special teams skills.

Wide receivers (6): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Brenden Rice

This has been my projection for this positional room since before the start of camp, and I feel confident this is how it will play out. Rice played the second-most snaps on Saturday.

Tight ends (4): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Stone Smartt, Luke Benson

I’ve had Donald Parham listed in my projections, but considering how much he’s been injured, it’s hard to see him making the roster. When all is said and done, I could see the team rolling with three tight ends, but I have Benson earning a spot. He’s made some plays this summer and would supply the offense with a reliable lead blocker.

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Foster Sarell

No changes from my last projection with the exception of the battle between Alex Leatherwood and Sarell. I recently had Leatherwood, but he struggled, allowing six pressures on 20 pass-blocking snaps. Sarell played well at both tackle spots and right guard.

Edge rusher (5): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Chris Rumph II

Initially, I had the Chargers only keeping four edge rushers. But Rumph has stood out this summer, both as a pass rusher and run defender. In addition to the depth he would provide, Rumph is a core special teamer. Watch out for Tre’Mon Morris-Brash, who had a solid showing against Seattle.

Defensive line (5): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Justin Eboigbe, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock

Chris Hinton has flashed this summer enough to warrant a spot, which is why they could elect to roster six defensive tackles. But for now, I have them sticking with five.

Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Troy Dye

No changes.

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still

No changes.

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, JT Woods

Tony Jefferson was in my previous projections, but he’s been playing with the third-team defense in camp. Finley has played his way into the third safety spot. Woods showed signs of development this past weekend against the Seahawks.

Specialists (3): K Cameron Dicker, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris

No changes.

Chargers 53-man roster projection after first week of training camp

With the first week of practice behind us, here is our latest projection of the Chargers’ 53-man roster.

The Chargers have another month before they trim their roster down to 53 players for the start of the regular season.

Until then, they still have three preseason games and four more weeks of training camp to prove to the coaching staff they’re worthy of a spot.

With the first week of practice behind us, I’m giving my latest projection of the 53-man roster. Keep in mind, that it’s difficult to make an accurate assessment because the pads weren’t on in Week 1.

For now, here’s who I see making the squad next month.

Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick

No changes from my initial projection. I see the Chargers keeping two quarterbacks, with Max Duggan being a practice squad candidate.

Running back (5): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson, Ben Mason (FB)

No changes. Edwards and Dobbins have an injury history, which means that the Chargers will likely roster four running backs. I’m giving the nod to Patterson over Isaiah Spiller after getting reps with the first-team offense last Thursday. Patterson spent most of last year on the team’s practice squad.

Wide receiver (6): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Brenden Rice

This is a position that could end up having seven players. But for now, I’m still assuming that only six are rostered. I had Rice in my initial projection and I am still sticking with him after flashing in the first week.

Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham Jr., Stone Smartt

Training camp hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for Parham, who has been sidelined with an injury. I initially had Zach Heins, the undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State, getting the final spot. But because of Parham’s injury concerns, Smartt gets it because of his receiving prowess.

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Alex Leatherwood

No changes. It’ll be easier to make evaluations when the pads come on.

Edge rusher (4): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree

No changes.

Interior defensive line (5): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Justin Eboigbe, Otito Ogbonnia, Chris Hinton

I had Hinton in my initial projection and that doesn’t change, as he got some looks with the first-team defense last week.

Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Troy Dye

No changes.

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still

No changes.

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Tony Jefferson, AJ Finley

I had undrafted free agent Akeem Dent making the roster in my initial projection, but Finley gets the spot over him because he got some run as the third safety alongside Derwin James and Alohi Gilman last week. Plus, he was a core special teamer last season.

Specialists (3): Cameron Dicker (K), JK Scott (P), Josh Harris (LS)

Chargers 53-man roster projection before training camp

Predicting how the Chargers roster will shape up prior to the start of training camp.

The Chargers begin training camp next week, July 24, to prepare for the start of the 2024 season under Jim Harbaugh’s new regime.

There, roster spots will be won and lost at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.

That said, here is my very early prediction for the team’s Week 1 roster.

Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick

Misses the cut: Max Duggan, Casey Bauman

Running back (5): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Isaiah Spiller, Ben Mason (FB)

Misses the cut: Elijah Dotson, Jaret Patterson

Wide receiver (6): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Brenden Rice

Misses the cut: Cornelius Johnson, Simi Fehoko, Jaelen Gill, Leon Johnson, Jaylen Johnson, Praise Olatoke

Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham Jr., Zach Heins

Misses the cut: Stone Smartt, Luke Benson

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Alex Leatherwood

Misses the cut: Foster Sarell, Karsen Barnhart, Brent Liang, Willis Patrick, Tyler McLellan, Bucky Williams

Edge rusher (4): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree

Misses the cut: Chris Rumph II, Ty Shelby, Andrew Farmer,

Interior defensive line (5): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Justin Eboigbe, Otito Ogbonnia, Chris Hinton

Misses the cut: CJ Okoye, Jerrod Clark

Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Troy Dye

Misses the cut: Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, Shane Lee

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still

Misses the cut: Chris Wilcox, Matt Hankins

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Tony Jefferson, Akeem Dent

Misses the cut: AJ Finley, JT Woods

Specialists (3): Cameron Dicker (K), JK Scott (P), Josh Harris (LS)