Chargers Roster: The Temporary 53

August 30, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Charlie Whitehurst (6) in the huddle against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

The Chargers roster is far from completed, but they trimmed down the roster to 53 players. AJ Smith is scouring the waiver wire in hopes to upgrade at a few positions. Here are the 53 players that remain on the roster:

QuarterbackPhilip Rivers, Charlie WhitehurstThere was no way that we were going to keep a rookie QB to back up Philip Rivers. Jarret Lee was released and I really don’t see why others love him. 

Running BackRyan Mathews, Ronnie Brown, Curtis Brinkley, Jackie BattleWould love to see them upgrade the third running back on the roster. Battle can play fullback and is a special teams ace, so hoping for am upgrade at Brinkley’s spot. Tim Hightower is available and would love to see the Chargers try and trade for Chris Ivory. 

FullbackLeRon McClainJacob Hester release was a bit of a surprise, but Jackie Battle will fill in at fullback also. Wondering if the Chargers plan is to upgrade another running back spot and didn’t want the shock of releasing Hester in a couple of days.  

Wide ReceiverMalcom Floyd, Robert Meachem, Eddie Royal, Vincent Brown, Micheal Spurlock, Richard GoodmanMike Willie gets released and will probably go to the practice squad if nobody picks him up. Vincent Brown will go to IR in a few days. 

Tight EndAntonio Gates, Randy McMichael, Dante Rosario, Ladarius GreenWe kept Green on the roster for now, but we do need to bring in another corner and tackle onto the roster at some point. Green would be one of the candidates to be released on that first pickup. 

TackleJared Gaither, Jeromey Clary, Michael HarrisWe need to add a veteran to this mix. With Gaither’s uncertainty, we need to add some depth. Ryan Harris is a name that we could keep an eye on. He was released by the Broncos

GuardTyronne Green, Louis Vazquez, Rex HadnotHadnot’s ability to play guard and center could be huge for the season

CenterNick Hardwick, David MolkGot Molk? 

Defensive EndCorey Liuget, Vaughn Martin, Kendall ReyesSad day losing Jacques Cesaire yesterday.

Defensive TackleAntonio Garay, Aubrayo Franklin, Cam ThomasAfter signing Franklin, we could see that Cesaire was on the bubble

Outside LinebackerShaun Phillips, Jarret Johnson, Melvin Ingram, Larry English, Antwan BarnesLarry is actually healthy and could have a nice impact. Why do I feel that the worst player of this group, JJ, is in the starting lineup?

Inside LinebackerTakeo Spikes, Donald Butler, Demorrio Williams, Jonas Mouton, Andrew Gachkar10 linebackers on this roster. Wondering how often Jonas Mouton will be put on the inactive list.

CornerbackAntoine Cason, Quentin Jammer, Marcus Gilchrist, Shareece WrightNeed to add a veteran to this group badly. 3 of the corners are hampered with a bad hammy. Joselio Hanson and Drayton Florence are names we could be looking at. 

SafetyEric Weddle, Atari Bigby, Darrell Stuckey, Brandon Taylor, Corey LynchAnyone else worried about Bigby as the starting safety?  Does AJ really hate OJ Atogwe or something?

Special TeamsNate Kaeding, Mike Scifres, Mike WindtThese guys are solid