Los Angeles Chargers: Five players on chopping block
Chargers potential cut: Detrez Newsome
The Troymaine Pope hype train hit full speed ahead last week following his 81-yard scamper to the end zone. It’s fair to say at the least Detrez Newsome has been disappointing in the role as the third running back so far this preseason, and no fans expected him to be challenged so early for his job.
The Chargers are trying to reach a deal with Melvin Gordon right now as all of this is going on. If Gordon comes back and there’s Ekeler and Jackson, that really only leaves room for Newsome or Pope. If Pope can keep up the good work on special teams and improve in the running game just a bit, Newsome’s days are numbered.
Against the Seahawks, Pope posted a much-improved 5.4 yards per rush average; Newsome didn’t log a single rushing attempt.
Chargers potential cut: Adarius Pickett
After the performance Roderic Teamer had last week, the window closed a little bit further for Adarius Pickett. Both are competing to try to be in the last safety spot on the roster post Derwin James injury. Teamer was all over the field last week, posting an 80.3 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus with three tackles, a sack, and three defensive stops.
The versatility of Teamer might give him an edge as well over Pickett, as last week he took snaps on the D-Line, as well as at free safety, corner, and linebacker. If only one of them is to make it, the edge has to go to Teamer right now.
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With just one week to go (a short one at that), it’ll be tough for any of these five to make the initial 53-man roster. Scott has the best chance, but there seems to be a number of factors working against him. Thursday’s game is his best shot at making the team; let’s see what No. 10 can do.