Tag: Gus Edwards

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

Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers can indirectly help the Ravens in 2024

Maybe Jim Harbaugh & the LA Chargers can things tougher for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 and indirectly help the Baltimore Ravens.

The only team standing in the way of a Baltimore Ravens AFC Championship last season was the Kansas City Chiefs. Hopefully, Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers can make the road more challenging for the Chiefs in 2024 and help the Ravens’ playoff run indirectly.

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The Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the AFC West for the last seven consecutive seasons with little to no resistance. Sure, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has had his peaks, but the Chiefs have consistently won the division since 2016. 

As the Chargers’ new head coach, Jim Harbaugh may make things more competitive in the AFC West this season.

Harbaugh, though brother of Ravens’ head coach John, has a tenacious approach to football and two new former Ravens’ running backs in Gus Edwards and J.K Dobbins. Harbaugh also has former Ravens’ offensive coordinator Greg Roman on his staff and hopes to have a more balanced offensive attack next season.

Ultimately, if the Chargers are going to dethrone the Chiefs in the AFC West, it will start with the running game. The team ranked 22nd in the NFL in rush yards per game, a clear sign that they were exceptionally too pass-heavy the last few seasons.

Lastly, the Chiefs aren’t the only culprit the Ravens will have to deal with in 2024. The AFC North will be a much tougher division than it was years prior. Yet, if the Ravebs can conquer the North and regain the home-field advantage, perhaps they’ll face a more fatigued Chiefs team, thanks to Jim Harbaugh.

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.

Jim Harbaugh reveals plan for first preseason game vs. Seahawks

Here’s who you can expect to be out there when the Chargers play the Seahawks.

The Chargers will host the Seahawks in the preseason opener this Saturday, Aug. 10, at 4:05 p.m. PT.

Like most preseason games, the starters aren’t expected to see the field much, if at all.

On Thursday following practice, Jim Harbaugh said he knows which starters will and won’t play.

“Yeah, I have an idea of what starters will play, what starters won’t play, how much some of the starters will play,’ Harbaugh said. “We have a good plan, we have a good idea of that as of right now. We’re ready to roll.”

Harbaugh added that Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are among the players who won’t play in the preseason opener.

“There’s a couple on each side of the ball. There’s a few others that won’t be playing,” Harbaugh added.

Harbaugh also confirmed that Easton Stick will start at quarterback and play most of the first half. Stick has been with the first-team offense while Justin Herbert has been out with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot.

Highlights: Top moments from first week of Chargers training camp

There was plenty of action during the first week of Chargers training camp, including a few highlight grabs.

Four days have passed, and the Chargers are in the thick of their training camp at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.

There was plenty of action, including a few players who stood out.

Before we move on to the second week of camp, which also marks the first time pads being worn, here are all of the top moments from Week 1, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter.

 

 

 

 

Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins sets his own high standard: “I do think if I get the volume, I’ll be one of the best in the league’

J.K. Dobbins is ready for a huge bounce-back season.

The majority of running back J.K. Dobbins’ professional career has been spent on the sidelines. But when he’s on the field, Dobbins has exemplified a special type of player.

“I do think if I get the volume, I’ll be one of the best in the league,” Dobbins said. “I’ve shown that.”

Dobbins has averaged 5.8 yards per carry since 2020, the highest mark by any running back in the NFL (minimum of 200 rushing attempts) in that timespan.

“I don’t know how many backs got that,” he said when referring to his yards per carry.

Since being drafted in the second round by the Ravens in 2020, Dobbins has missed 43 games due to several injuries, including a torn ACL, torn LCL and a torn Achilles tendon.

AT OTAs, Dobbins talked about how he’s healthy, ready to dispel the injury-prone narrative and return to form.

In 24 games in Baltimore, Dobbins rushed for 1,347 yards and 12 touchdowns, which included an eye-popping rookie campaign with 805 rushing yards on 134 carries (6.0 yards per attempt) and nine touchdowns.

If he can stay on the field, he will supply the offense with one of the most explosive backs, with a skill set that features good elusiveness and pass-catching ability.

“I feel like I’m in college out there right now,” Dobbins said. “And I do think that the storm is over. Now I’m on a new journey, a healthy journey this year. You guys will see — it’ll be special.”

Offensive storylines to follow as Chargers begin training camp

The top storylines to follow on the offensive side of the ball as Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers begin training camp.

On Wednesday, the Chargers will begin the process of building out their 53-man roster for the 2024 season as training camp begins at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA. Let’s highlight some top storylines on each side of the ball as it gets underway. We will begin with Greg Roman’s offense.

The rushing attack

Jim Harbaugh made it clear that the Chargers will be a physical offense that wears down defenses on the ground. Greg Roman comes with a run-heavy mindset. So this will be the first time we see it all come together. The backfield consists of newcomers Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins and Kimani Vidal, who join third-year Isaiah Spiller. What will the rep share look like between the backs? Is Dobbins, who has battled injuries the past few seasons, healthy? The offensive line has two new additions: Bradley Bozeman and Joe Alt. Bozeman replaces Corey Linsley. Alt will transition from left tackle to right tackle, while Trey Pipkins will kick inside to right guard. Can Zion Johnson improve? What will the blocking scheme look like? Will Dissly was signed to serve as the team’s inline blocker? What type of impact will he have?

Wide receiver room

Once a strength of the Chargers, the wide receiver room lacks top-end talent after the losses of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. How will the group shape up and who will step up as Justin Herbert’s top targets? Josh Palmer has the most experience in the group. Can he play to the level of a No. 1 wideout? Expectations are high for rookie Ladd McConkey. The team hopes Quentin Johnston can shake off his rough rookie campaign and contribute in Year 2. DJ Chark hasn’t had a productive season since 2019 with the Jaguars when he earned Pro Bowl honors. Will seventh-rounders Cornelius Johnson or Brenden Rice raise eyebrows?

Joe Alt’s transition to right tackle

Alt was selected with the No. 5 overall pick and will be the team’s starting right tackle. Will Alt’s transition be smooth? He should instantly help in the run game, but the focus will be on how Alt looks in pass protection. We will see how he fares in that department in one-on-ones against veterans Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

Tight end room

The Chargers added two new faces to the position room: Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst. As I mentioned earlier, Dissly will primarily make his money as a blocker in the run game. Hurst, on the other hand, should have an impact in the passing game. He was productive in OTAs. Can he continue to develop a rapport with Herbert? Donald Parham and Stone Smartt return. Parham has come on as a pass-catcher but has struggled to stay healthy. Can he stay on the field? Smartt has also flashed as a receiver. Will it be enough to earn a roster spot? Undrafted free agents Zach Heins and Luke Benson are intriguing players. Can one of them steal a spot?

Fantasy football: Breaking down the LA Chargers backfield

Injury concerns, unproven upside, underwhelming veterans … this backfield has it all.

Perhaps no team has seen a bigger overhaul of skill players than the Los Angeles Chargers, which hired new head coach Jim Harbaugh and are in the process of adapting to his style. Among the departed are last year’s Week 1 starters at running back (Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders), tight end (Gerald Everett, Chicago Bears), and wide receiver (Keenan Allen, Bears, and Mike Williams, New York Jets). Even their No. 2 rusher, Joshua Kelly, remains unsigned and is unlikely to return.

It’s a lot of change, and yet, the top of LA’s backfield looks familiar … to Baltimore Ravens fans. With former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman now running the show for Harbaugh, the Bolts waded into free agency to pluck RBs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards on short-term deals. Both have a lot of experience in Roman’s offense, and Harbaugh’s desire to set a physical tone suggests the Chargers will be running more in 2024 than they did under the previous regime.

Of course, the caveat to such an approach is the presence of quarterback Justin Herbert, who is among the NFL’s best. It’s difficult to imagine they’ll fully marginalize the ascending superstar, but with their wideouts in a state of transition, a healthy dose of the ground game feels likely this season.

For better or for worse: Evaluating Chargers offense ahead of training camp

A quick rundown of each position on offense and whether the Chargers are better, worse or neutral at that spot.

The Chargers lost some key starters from last season but added a few in correspondence via free agency and the draft.

But how do they compare from the end of the 2023 regular season to now?

Let’s break it down by position, starting with the offense.

Quarterback

Offseason moves: Re-signed Easton Stick.

Summary: The Chargers are locked in with Justin Herbert. Herbert is coming off a down year, as he was hit with injuries to both hands, with his throwing hand being season-ending. Another year, another offense for Herbert, marking his fourth in five seasons in the league. Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman want to run the football, so it’ll be enticing to see how they design this offense to accomplish that and allow Herbert to flourish as a passer. They brought back Stick to serve as Herbert’s backup. Stick was the backup with zero experience as a starter until last season when Herbert was sidelined with his finger injury. Stick went on to start the final four games and finished with 1,129 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception while adding 144 rushing yards and a score on 27 carries.

Verdict: Same

Running Back

Offseason moves: Lost Austin Ekeler (signed with the Commanders). Signed Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins (previously with the Ravens). Drafted Kimani Vidal (sixth-round pick)

Summary: After playing with the Chargers for seven seasons, Ekeler departed and eventually reunited with former head coach Anthony Lynn, who is now Washington’s running backs coach. With the vision of the offense pounding the rock and wearing defenses on the ground, Los Angeles went out and got guys familiar with Roman’s gap/power scheme. Edwards is coming off a year where he set career highs in rushing yards (810) and touchdowns (13). Dobbins has struggled to stay healthy, but his most productive season came under Roman in 2020 when he rushed for 805 yards, nine scores and 6.0 yards per carry. Vidal was productive at Troy, rushing for 1,661 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns on 295 carries.

Verdict: Better

Wide Receiver

Offseason moves: Traded Keenan Allen (Bears). Lost Mike Williams (signed with the Jets). Drafted Ladd McConkey (second round), Cornelius Johnson and Brenden Rice (seventh round). Signed D.J. Chark (previously with the Panthers).

Summary: Once a strength of the Chargers, now the wide receiver room lacks top-end talent after the losses of Allen and Williams. Joshua Palmer has the most experience in the group, and he is expected to take a big step in his contract year. McConkey, who Los Angeles traded up for to get in Round 2, is expected to be a significant contributor in his rookie season. He and Herbert have already started to develop a rapport. The team is hopeful that Quentin Johnston can shake off his rough rookie campaign and provide the offense with a legitimate yards-after-the-catch threat. Chark hasn’t had a productive season since 2019 with the Jaguars when he earned Pro Bowl honors. He offers elite speed to serve as a vertical threat. Johnson and Rice will compete for roster spots.

Verdict: Worse

Tight End

Offseason moves: Lost Gerald Everett (signed with the Bears). Signed Will Dissly (previously with the Seahawks) and Hayden Hurst (previously with the Panthers).

Summary: In two seasons as a Charger, Everett was vital in the passing game with his yards-after-the-catch ability and clutchness on money downs. They found their replacement for Everett with Hurst, who played under Roman for two seasons in Baltimore. Hurst offers the upside as a receiver but can also block. In a new offense where blocking tight ends are integral, they signed one of the best in that department in Dissly. The offense hasn’t had a good blocking tight end since 2020. Parham returns for another season and should be reliable in the red zone with his 6-foot-8 frame.

Verdict: Better

Offensive line

Offseason moves: Lost Corey Linsley (likely to retire). Drafted Joe Alt (first round)

Summary: The Chargers felt the loss of Linsley throughout last season when he was sidelined with his heart issue. Filling Linsley’s void was arguably the most critical offseason move. They did so with Bozeman, who has seven years of starting experience and is familiar with Roman’s scheme, having played under him for four seasons. Los Angeles struck gold with Rashawn Slater. They hope they do the same with Joe Alt, who will start opposite Slater. Alt should make a difference in the run game from Day 1. Now it’s just a matter of how he holds up against NFL pass rushers. With Alt sliding in at right tackle, Trey Pipkins will move inside to right guard. Despite never playing the position, Pipkins has the athleticism, length and football IQ to make the transition seamless.

Verdict: Slightly better