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 Dustin Hopkins, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris
No changes.