As we enter the final week of the preseason, it is becoming crunch time for the players who are fighting for a roster spot. The deadline for teams to finalize their 53-man roster is September 2, which means that these final preseason games are crucial for players who are currently on the bubble. Who is in risk of not making the Chargers final 53-man roster? Let’s look at a couple players.
Kellen Clemens, Quarterback
Although Kellen Clemens began the preseason as the immediate backup to Philip Rivers, he seems to have lost that role. After back-to-back poor performances, Clemens did not entertain a single snap in the Chargers’ third preseason game. It seems that Cardale Jones has taken up the back-up role, and even Mike Bercovici may have surpassed Clemens at this point.
The Chargers may give Clemens another chance in their last preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, but if Clemens has another poor performance, it seems likely that he will be cut.
Isaiah Burse, Wide Receiver
After only starting one game for the Chargers last season, Isaiah Burse had slowly been gaining more playing time in camp after recovering from an injury. Although Burse had played decently thus far into the preseason, he was injured on the opening kickoff of the Chargers’ game against the Los Angeles Rams.
If Burse’s injury is of a serious nature, he likely will not be given a roster spot. If he is able to play in the next preseason game, perhaps he can earn a spot with a strong performance, but so far it seems that he is trending towards being cut.
Jamaal Jones, Wide Receiver
The UDFA rookie wide receiver out of Montana has gotten a lot of playing time in the preseason, but with the depth of the Chargers’ receiving core, it seems likely that he will not make the cut.
Although he has made some catches, he also lost a costly fumble on the verge of the red zone. If Jones can play well in the last preseason game, perhaps he can make the team, but he will have to beat out the likes of Geremy Davis and others to get a roster spot.
Kenjon Barner, Running Back
Kenjon Barner, who was signed by the Chargers over the offseason, is on track to be cut come September 2. Although Barner was supposed to be used mainly on returns, he has not participated in many during the preseason thus far.
As a running back, Barner’s stats have been atrocious to say the least. In six rushing attempts over two games, Barner has rushed for a total of -1 yards. Some of this was likely due to poor offensive line performance, but perhaps if he gets to play behind better players in the next game he can redeem himself.
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Younghoe Koo, Kicker
Throughout training camp there was a lot of speculation regarding the competition between Josh Lambo and Younghoe Koo, but that competition has virtually come to a halt during the preseason.
Through three preseason games, the Chargers have only kicked one field goal, so Koo has only gotten to attempt extra points. Perhaps if Koo outkicks Lambo significantly in the next game he can take the starting job, but otherwise it seems likely he will be cut unless the Chargers’ decide to keep two kickers.
The next preseason game will be a determining factor for many player’s futures on the Chargers, so players on the bubble have a lot to play for. Which players do you think are on the bubble of being cut? Let us know in the comment section below.