Chargers roster – Syndication Server

Which Chargers received votes for awards at NFL Honors?

J.K. Dobbins was the only finalist for a major awards, but there were other Chargers players and coaches who received votes.

The Chargers had one player who was a finalist for one of the major awards on Thursday night at NFL Honors.

Running back J.K. Dobbins finished second in Comeback Player of the Year voting behind Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Dobbins received three first-place votes.

Dobbins was the only finalist, but some other players and coaches did receive votes following the 2024 season.

Here’s a quick look at the Chargers receiving votes for major awards.

Most Valuable Player of the Year

Quarterback Justin Herbert received three fourth-place votes. Bills QB Josh Allen was the winner.

Comeback Player of the Year

Herbert received one third-place vote, one fourth-place vote and two fifth-place votes.

Assistant Coach of the Year

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter received two second-place votes, five third-place votes and two fifth-place votes. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was the winner.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Offensive tackle Joe Alt received two third-place votes and two fifth-place votes. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey got two fourth-place votes and one fifth-place vote. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was the winner.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Cornerback Tarheeb Still received one first-place vote, three third-place votes, two fourth-place votes and four fifth-place votes. Rams edge rusher Jared Verse was the winner.

Coach of the Year

Head coach Jim Harbaugh received three second-place votes, three third-place votes, 12 fourth-place votes and 11 fifth-place votes. Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell was the winner.

Derwin James reveals Chargers’ biggest needs this offseason

Derwin James identified the trenches and wide receiver as the Chargers’ biggest positions of need heading into the offseason.

It’s no secret that the Chargers are a few moves away from becoming legitimate contenders in 2025. With over $65 million in cap space, the front office has the resources to improve this team this offseason.

Most of its issues come on the offensive side of the ball, as the Chargers had the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL in 2024. On Micah Parsons’ podcast, safety Derwin James reflected on which positions the team should go after this offseason:

“Like you say, you know, it starts in the trenches. We gotta secure the trenches and then get the guys on the outside that are gonna catch the ball and go do it and make plays.”

James is not wrong, as the interior offensive line and wide receiver are arguably the two most significant needs for this team. The defensive line remains a mystery as well, given the fact that Poona Ford is a free agent.

Ford was the unit’s best player in 2024, so it would be wise for the front office to do whatever they can to re-sign him. Center and right guard were liabilities along the offensive line this past season, so that’s where the front office will look to address.

The other three spots along the offensive line are locked down with young studs. Whether it be through the draft or free agency, there’s no doubt that the team will be going hard after the wide receiver position. A trade could even be a possibility, such as Cooper Kupp.

There’s nothing wrong with what James said, as he spoke nothing but facts. The veteran defensive back is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. As a result, he earned his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl.

Joe Hortiz comments on Joey Bosa’s future with Chargers

The Chargers could benefit from cutting Joey Bosa.

There are a handful of Chargers players that the team will have to determine whether or not they will be back in Los Angeles next season.

Among the crop is edge defender Joey Bosa. Bosa has a cap hit of more than $36 million in 2025, according to Over The Cap. That’s a good chunk of money for someone who hasn’t quite proven their worth.

When asked about Bosa’s cap hit and future with the team, general manager Joe Hortiz said, “Those are the things we’re discussing right now.” Hortiz added that it is “possible” they keep him on his current cap hit.

There’s no denying the talent, but Bosa has struggled to stay on the field consistently over the past few seasons. And he has also yet to reach double-digit sacks since 2021, the last time he was named a Pro Bowler.

The Chargers can save over $25 million in cap space by cutting Bosa.

Bosa’s partner in the edge defender room, Khalil Mack, is considering retirement and will decide his future after discussing it with his family.

If Bosa and Mack are not members of the Chargers next season, addressing the position group will be a high priority this offseason.

Chargers sign 10 players to future contracts

The Chargers signed 10 players to reserve/future contracts. All spent all or part of the season on the practice squad.

With the 2023 season over, the Chargers have signed 11 players to future contracts, according to the NFL Transactions wire.

G Karsen Barnhart

TE McCallan Castles

WR Dez Fitzpatrick

WR Jaylen Johnson

DL Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste

EDGE Tre’Mon Morris-Brash

EDGE Caleb Murphy

RB Jaret Patterson

S Kendall Williamson

All 10 players spent time on the team’s practice squad or active roster in 2024.

The players will be added to the 90-man active roster when the 2025 offseason officially begins.

Chargers signing former first-round running back to practice squad

The Chargers added another running back to the mix, with J.K. Dobbins still working his way back from a knee injury.

The Chargers are signing running back Ezekiel Elliott to the practice squad, according to multiple sources.

Los Angeles is adding Elliott for insurance, with Gus Edwards dealing with an ankle injury and J.K. Dobbins not far removed from his knee injury that landed him on injured reserve.

According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Elliott had interest from “several playoff teams” but preferred the fit with the Bolts.

The Cowboys waived Elliott last week so that he could join a playoff team with his career nearing an end.

Elliott finished this season with Dallas with 74 carries for 226 yards and three touchdowns while adding 12 catches for 69 yards.

Across nine seasons, Elliott has 9,130 rushing yards for 74 touchdowns, and 2,718 receiving yards with 14 scores.

Elliott provides value in the passing game, as he is reliable as a blocker and can catch passes out of the backfield. He could be used as a rusher when Dobbins needs a breather.

Chargers sign former first-round pick to practice squad

The Chargers added a safety to the practice squad.

The Chargers signed safety Terrell Edmunds to the practice squad on Thursday.

In correspondence, Los Angeles released Emany Johnson from the practice squad.

Edmunds, 27, was a first-round selection by the Steelers in the 2018 NFL Draft, where he started 75 games. He notched 410 total tackles, 26 passes defensed, five interceptions, and five sacks during the five years in Pittsburgh.

Edmunds then signed with the Eagles in 2023 before being traded to the Titans during the season. This past year, he signed with the Jaguars and eventually joined his former team, the Steelers, on their practice squad.

Pittsburgh released Edmunds on Nov. 9.

Edmunds provides depth at a safety position that lost Elijah Molden and Marcus Maye, who were placed in injured reserve. Alohi Gilman could be activated off IR, but they still need bodies alongside him and Derwin James.

While he will start on the practice squad, Edmunds could be elevated to the active roster.

Defensive help coming? Chargers could open 21-day practice window for Alohi Gilman

The Chargers haven’t had Alohi Gilman for a month.

The Chargers could be getting some help on the backend of the defense as they close out the regular season and get into the playoffs.

On Monday, Jim Harbaugh said the team could open up safety Alohi Gilman’s 21-day practice window this week.

Gilman has been on injured reserve since Week 12 with a hamstring injury.

With Marcus Maye on IR and Elijah Molden out for the remainder of the season with a broken fibula, Los Angeles would benefit from Gilman’s return.

In 10 games, Gilman amassed four passes defended and an interception.

Chargers lose key defender for remainder of the season, playoffs

The Chargers will be without a key defender on the back end of the defense.

Elijah Molden’s 2024 season is officially over.

After suffering a broken fibula in the Chargers’ win over the Patriots, Molden posted on his personal Instagram account to announce that he would be sidelined for the final game of the regular season and the playoffs.

The injury occurred in the third quarter.

Los Angeles traded with the Titans for Molden before the start of the season, and the 25-year-old safety went on to have arguably the best campaign of his professional career.

Molden finished with career-highs in tackles (75), passes defended (7), interceptions (3) and fumbles recovered (2).

Alohi Gilman and Marcus Maye are on injured reserve, which means Eddie Jackson, who signed to the practice squad and was promoted to the active roster last week, will be expected to step up.

Chargers make roster moves ahead of Week 17 vs. Patriots, activate J.K. Dobbins from IR

J.K. Dobbins should provide a boost to a running back room that’s been up and down over the past month.

The Chargers made a few roster moves ahead of the Week 17 game against the Patriots on Saturday.

Los Angeles activated running back J.K. Dobbins from injured reserve, and he is expected to play.

Dobbins suffered a knee injury in the Bolts’ loss to the Ravens last month. His presence should provide a boost to a running back room that struggled with efficiency while he was sidelined.

In 11 games, Dobbins has 766 yards and eight touchdowns on 158 rushes (4.8 yards per carry).

In other roster-related news, the Chargers elevated safeties Eddie Jackson and Kendall Williamson from the practice squad.

Jackson was signed to the practice squad earlier this week.

Throughout his pro career, Jackson has totaled 15 interceptions, 45 passes defended, 10 forced fumbles and 489 tackles. He is tied for third in Bears franchise history with six career defensive touchdowns.

Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins designated to return from injured reserve

The Chargers’ offense should soon be getting some reinforcement.

On Monday, Los Angeles designated running back J.K. Dobbins for return from injured reserve. Dobbins has spent the past four weeks on IR after sustaining a knee injury in Week 12 against the Ravens.

Dobbins began practicing with the team on Monday, opening a 21-day window during which he can participate in all team activities without being counted against the 53-man roster.

He may be activated during those three weeks and could return as soon as before this weekend’s game against the Patriots.

Getting Dobbins is huge for an offense that has struggled with efficiency on the ground. In the past three weeks, the Chargers have averaged 81.0 rushing yards per game, which ranks 28th in the NFL.

Dobbins has 158 carries for 766 yards and eight touchdowns this season.