The Los Angeles Chargers have currently filled eight slots on their practice squad.
The team got down to the league-mandated number of 53 players on its roster Saturday afternoon and then released No.3 quarterback Cardale Jones after bringing Antonio Gates back into the fold.
Putting together a team doesn’t stop there, however. Creating a practice squad is always important as every team in the league has to draw from its practice squad at some point in the season. Of course, those players aren’t protected and can be nabbed by other teams at any point in the season.
Another interesting move the Chargers made this weekend was to put Hunter Henry on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list rather than injured reserve. That indicates that the team feels there is some chance that Henry could take the field this season.
As for the practice squad, here are the players that were selected by the Chargers thus far:
Patrick Afriye, DE: An undrafted rookie from Eastern Washington, some thought Afriye had a chance to make the 53-man roster after a solid training camp.
Steven Richardson, DT: Another undrafted rookie, Richardson played his college ball at Minnesota. Even more analysts thought he’d make the roster and it’s a bit surprising the Chargers snuck him through waivers.
Dylan Cantrell, WR: The team’s sixth-round draft pick, Cantrell likely would have made the roster if not for an injury early on in camp. He’ll get a chance to get healthy and likely contribute to the team this season.
Trent Scott, OL: Some thought Scott would be a better fit for the main roster than Scott Quessenberry.
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A.J. Hendy, S: Hendy was cut by the Miami Dolphins before the start of last season but the Chargers have always seen something in him.
D’Juan Hines, LB: Undrafted out of Houston, Hines turned heads during the team’s rookie mini-camp and could be a special teams stalwart for the team at some point down the line.
Andre Patton, WR: This will be Patton’s second stint on the team’s practice squad. If the team gets into a jam at the wide receiver spot, he could chip in for a game or two.
Thomas Duarte, TE: Rather than bringing back one of the tight ends they just cut, the Chargers opted to sign Thomas Duarte, who was just let go by the Dolphins. A former seventh-round pick, Duarte has appeared in just one regular season game.
The Chargers still have two open slots on the practice squad as team’s are now allowed to carry 10 players. One of those slots could go to Jones as the team likely wants to give the quarterback a further chance to develop.