Chris Swain among final cuts by Chargers; Farrow, Burse make the team
By Matt Pagels
The San Diego Chargers had Friday and Saturday to reduce their roster from 75 to 53 players.
It’s a tough day for both the players and coaches. With the initial 53-man roster selected, here are the final cuts the Chargers made:
- QB Mike Bercovici
- S Adrian McDonald
- WR Rasheed Bailey (injured)
- FB Chris Swain
- WR Dom Williams
- CB Trevor Williams
- OLB Ben Gardner
- G/T Marcel Jones
- CB Richard Crawford
- WR/KR DeAndre Reaves
- G Vi Teofilo
- CB Larry Scott
- DL Kamal Johnson
- TE Matt Weiser
- DL Chuka Ndulue
- RB Gus Johnson
- TE Tim Semisch
- ILB James Ross
- T Brett Boyko
- ILB Shaq Petteway (injured)
- LB James Vaughters
- *DT Damion Square placed on reserve/suspended list
- *DE Joey Bosa remains on exempt list
- *OL Chris Watt remains on PUP list
There’s nothing too surprising here. Chris Swain, an undrafted free agent out of Navy, was a fan favorite who had a decent shot at making the team. He scored his first NFL touchdown in Thursday’s preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers as well as helped pave the way for Kenneth Farrow, who had a 44-yard touchdown run. Even though the Chargers went with 2016 sixth-rounder Derek Watt as their starting fullback, Swain has a chance to make it on the practice squad–hopefully.
Outside linebacker Ben Gardner and wide receiver Dom Williams were two other players who played well in the preseason. Gardner finished with seven total tackles and two sacks in the final two games. Williams led the Chargers’ receiving corps with four catches for 55 yards in Week 2 against the Cardinals and finished strong with four catches for 51 yards in the finale. It would be nice if both players land on the practice squad.
Other notes:
- Don’t throw up, but it looks like the Chargers will be rolling with Kellen Clemens as the backup to Philip Rivers. Mike Bercovici didn’t play well enough to make the team, but he’s eligible for the practice squad.
- As of now, the Chargers have five safeties on the roster: Dwight Lowery, Jahleel Addae, Adrian Phillips, Darrell Stuckey and Dexter McCoil. While this position is arguably the weakest part of the defense, McCoil has shined during the preseason. He’s always around the ball and can create turnovers, something the Chargers desperately needed. #gem.
- Farrow, a 2016 undrafted free agent, will be the third running back on the roster. He looked good in the fourth preseason game against the 49ers, showing off shifty moves and speed. He’s also similar in size (5-9) to Branden Oliver, the man he’s replacing. The Chargers could look on waivers for another RB if they don’t feel completely comfortable with Farrow.
- Isaiah Burse was a smart keep. Burse provides value as both a kick returner and receiver (five receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown in finale). This is a strong group of receivers with Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman and Burse. Inman had an up-and-down camp, so the Chargers may look on the waivers for another receiver to compete (former second-rounder Justin Hunter?)
- The Chargers have 10 offensive linemen on the roster. Guard-center Spencer Pulley deserves a spot, so either Kenny Wiggins or Tyreek Burwell will likely be released to make room for another player.
- The Chargers have good starters on the defensive line (Corey Liuget, Brandon Mebane and eventually Joey Bosa), but they are lacking at depth badly. Darius Philon is a very good player, but nose tackle Ryan Carrethers had an up-and-down preseason, struggling against the one’s and dominating against the two’s. Tenny Palepoi provided mix results as well. Look for the Chargers to add talent through waivers.