Aug 28, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Marion Grice (28) carries the ball during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Chargers trimmed down their roster to 53 players today and there were a few players that were surprising cuts. Vincent Brown was released off of the roster. If he clears through waivers, he will be placed on the IR. This is his last season on his contract though, so his time on the field as a Chargers will likely be done.
The Chargers also released OT Mike Harris off of the roster and the team decided to keep Willie Smith to be the swing tackle.
Here is what the final 53 man roster looks like.
Quarterbacks (2)
Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens
Brad Sorensen didn’t make the cut. He played terrible in the preseason. He could be brought back on the practice squad. The team will likely add another quarterback to the roster for the practice squad.
Running Backs (5)
Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead, Donald Brown, Marion Grice, Branden Oliver
I remember when I had the roster like this a couple of weeks ago and people said there was no way that it would happen. Oliver can help on special teams and Grice has more potential as a back.
Wide Receivers (5)
Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd, Eddie Royal, Dontrelle Inman, Seyi Ajirotutu
Vincent Brown was dropped off of the roster and the depth seems thin, but the team could use a number of players out wide. Ladarius Green and Danny Woodhead could be used out there without a hitch.
Tight Ends (4)
Antonio Gates, Ladarius Green, David Johnson, John Phillips
This was set from the start. All of these guys will contribute on the offense in some way or another. Johnson will get action as a fullback also.
Offensive Line (8)
Nick Hardwick, D.J. Fluker, King Dunlap, Johnnie Troutman, Chad Rinehart, Chris Watt, Rich Ohrnberger, Willie Smith
It will be interesting to see what happens when Jeromey Clary is ready to go. Who loses their roster spot? I might not be any of these players listed or it could be Rich Ohrnberger. Watt’s ability to play guard and center could be a nice option that could push Ohrnberger off of the roster.
Defensive Line (6)
Corey Liuget, Kendall Reyes, Sean Lissemore, Tenny Palepoi, Ryan Carrethers, Lawrence Guy
It will be interesting to see if this is the group that starts the regular season. I am sure that Tom Telesco is all over the waiver wire right now. Kevin Vickerson would be a nice addition to the roster.
Linebackers (10)
Donald Butler, Manti Te’o, Melvin Ingram, Jarret Johnson, Jerry Attaochu, Dwight Freeney, Tourek Williams, Kavell Conner, Reggie Walker, Andrew Gachkar
Thomas Keiser and Cordarro Law couldn’t make the team with the logjam on the roster. The group is deep though.
Cornerbacks (5)
Shareece Wright, Brandon Flowers, Jason Verrett, Steve Williams, Chris Davis, Richard Marshall
The team was able to keep Davis on the roster for now. Marshall was able to keep his spot with his ability to play safety as well.
Safeties (4)
Eric Weddle, Marcus Gilchrist, Jahleel Addae, Darrell Stuckey
The same group that we have had all season. Alden Darby seemed like a possibility at the start of the season, but couldn’t make the cut with all the players in the secondary.
Special Teams (3)
Nick Novak, Mike Scifres, Mike Windt
Same old group of special teams players here.