The Chargers announced their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday.
This roster is subject to change as waiver wire claims are made on Wednesday and other players are moved around.
Here’s what we learned from Los Angeles’ initial 53-man roster:
Easton Stick is the backup…at least for now
After showing promise in the final few games of the 2023 season while Justin Herbert was on the injured reserve, Stick took a massive step back this summer. While Herbert was out of practice for a few weeks with the plantar fascia injury in his right foot, Stick struggled to engineer a productive offense in training camp, which then carried over to the preseason. If Herbert were to go down in the season, the Chargers would be in trouble with Stick under center based on his showing. That’s why I expect Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh to be active in calling teams looking to make a trade or sign an available one.
Seven wide receivers
I thought that Hortiz and Harbaugh would only keep six wideouts. However, they made the right decision by rewarding Brenden Rice and Simi Fehoko for their hard work this summer. Rice had an outstanding camp but was limited in preseason play due to the inefficient quarterback play. He showed not only route-running prowess but also high effort as a blocker. It was hard to keep Fehoko off the roster after a productive preseason. He finished with seven catches on nine targets for 170 yards. On top of that, Fehoko shined on special teams.
Donald Parham’s time is over
As much of a reliable target for Herbert over the past four seasons, Parham did not make the cut because he struggled to stay healthy consistently and still left much to be desired as a blocker, something Greg Roman wants from his tight ends. Stone Smartt made the roster after showing growth in the blocking department while managing to be an asset in the passing game. The Chargers would still benefit from another player in this position room, particularly a plus blocker.
Does not have the EDGE
I thought the Chargers would keep five edge rushers, with that spot going to Tre’Mon Morris-Brash. However, they elected to roster four players at the position. Morris-Brash showed proficiency as a pass rusher and capped off a sensational summer with a pick-six against the Cowboys. He should be a practice squad player. Chris Rumph II was making his case to earn a spot on the roster before suffering a foot injury against the Seahawks. He won’t play this year as he was placed on season-ending reserve.
11 defensive backs
I was under the assumption that the Chargers would only keep ten defensive backs, but they ultimately decided to start with 11. Rather than choosing between Tony Jefferson and JT Woods, the team kept both. Jefferson had a quiet summer until the final preseason game, where he played out of his mind, posting 14 tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble. He brings another veteran presence and experience to a fairly young defensive back room. Woods’ ability to play safety and cornerback and his signs of improvement, especially as a tackler, earned him a spot.