Chargers Injuries, Preseason Week 2 Reshape 53-Man Roster Prediction

A Chargers 53-man roster projection isn't simple after injuries and other news.

Justin Herbert | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Chargers exit preseason Week 2 with more questions than answers. 

Tyler Biadasz is lost to injury. Jim Harbaugh is mad at a punter while much bigger problems chase the roster into another week of training camp. 

And that old problem, the interior of the offensive line? 

Still a problem. 

Here’s a quick rundown of an updated Chargers 53-man roster projection that attempts to account for some of the big changes about to go down. 

Chargers updated 53-man roster projection

Quarterbacks (2)

• Justin Herbert
• Trey Lance

DJ Uiagalelei has suddenly made some noise in the backup quarterback competition behind Justin Herbert. It’s not enough to say he knocks Trey Lance off the roster just yet, but something to watch. 

Running Backs (3)

• Omarion Hampton
• Keaton Mitchell
• Kimani Vidal

Amar Johnson has had a really strong preseason when the line in front of the backs looks fit for pro play. But if they can only keep three, the Chargers will go with Kimani Vidal. 

Tight Ends/ Full Backs (4)

• Charlie Kolar
• Oronde Gadsden II
• David Njoku
• Alec Ingold (Full back)

Good luck figuring out the order of who sees the field for snaps and when. Oronde Gadsden almost seems like he’s been passed up. Either way, the top three are very obvious. 

Wide Receivers (5)

• Ladd McConkey
• Quentin Johnston
• Tre' Harris
• Keandre Lambert-Smith
• Brenen Thompson (R)

It’s tough to leave Keandre Lambert-Smith off the list. The Chargers already moved on from someone like Luke Grimm. And the rookie Brenen Thompson can account for returns/gadget stuff that would have gone to Derius Davis. But it’s still very much a heated competition. 

Offensive Line (10)

Jake Slaughter | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

• Rashawn Slater
• Joe Alt
• Tyler Biadasz (IR)
• Cole Strange
• Kayode Owosika
• Trey Pipkins
• Trevor Penning
• Jake Slaughter (R)
• Travis Burke (R)
• Branson Taylor

We’ll call Tyler Biadasz an IR for now. Kayode Awosika is the leader at left guard now that Jake Slaughter has moved over to center. Travis Burke is a breakout backup swing tackle. 

Defensive Line (5)

• Teair Tart
• Dalvin Tomlinson
• Jamaree Caldwell
• Justin Eboigbe
• Nick Barrett (R)

Not really much to say here. Teair Tart is the leader they signed to an extension this offseason, then added Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency. 

Edge Rushers (5)

• Khalil Mack
• Tuli Tuipulotu
• Akheem Mesidor (R)
• Kyle Kennard
• Nadame Tucker (R)

Undrafted free agent Nadame Tucker has lived up to the fanbase’s hype and should make the final roster based on what’s happened so far. The last spot goes to Kyle Kennard in the hopes he can still reach some of his own draft slotting, pushing Bud Dupree out.

Linebackers (5)

• Daiyan Henley
• Denzel Perryman
• Troy Dye
• Del'Shawn Phillips
• Marlowe Wax

Maybe the most boring position here, which is a good thing. We get a little bold by pushing Junior Colson off the final 53 after his struggles to meet expectations. Guys like Marlowe Wax are just too consistently good. 

Cornerbacks (7)

• Derwin James Jr.
• Donte Jackson
• Tarheeb Still
• Cam Hart
• Deane Leonard
• Nikko Reed
• Eric Rogers

Years of fantastic drafting and overall value finds have led to this point. Donte Jackson is a great veteran to start, Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart were strong mid-round picks and late values like Nikko Reed double as good depth with intriguing long-term upside. 

Safeties (4)

• Elijah Molden
• Tony Jefferson
• RJ Mickens
• Genesis Smith (R)

Rookie draft pick Genesis Smith has a real shot at playing time here, provided he can prove in live-game action that he’s grown past tackling woes. It’s a good problem to have for the Chargers at a strong spot.

Specialists (3)

• Kicker: Cameron Dicker
• Punter: JK Scott
• Long Snapper: Josh Harris

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