Chargers 53-man roster cut tracker 2026: Live updates and analysis

We've finally made it. After four weeks of training camp, three (at times pretty brutal) preseason matchups, and countless highlights posted on X, we've arrived at the Aug. 30 deadline for roster cuts. Needless to say, the Los Angeles Chargers have their work cut out for them.

This is an undeniably deep roster—credit to Joe Hortiz—and there are pieces at virtually every position pushing to carve out their spot. Has Nadame Tucker done enough to surpass either Kyle Kennard or Bud Dupree? Will Marlowe Wax or Junior Colson ultimately prevail in their epic battle for the final inside linebacker spot? How do the Chargers account for the absence of Tyler Biadasz?

We'll get answers to all of these questions this weekend— and we've got you covered here with all of the live analysis and updates you need as the Chargers' 2026 roster unfolds.

Chargers 53-man roster cut tracker 2026: Live updates and analysis

1. Latest Chargers roster cuts
2. Updated Chargers 53-man roster
3. Notable Cuts
4. Potential waiver wire targets from around the league

Latest Chargers roster cuts

*UDFA CB Avery Smith was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick

*OG Branson Taylor has been placed on the injured reserve with a designation to return

*DT TeRah Edwards has been traded to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick

*FB/TE Scott Matlock has been placed on the injured reserve with a designation to return

*Updated on 8/30 at 6:06 PM*

Updated Chargers 53-man roster

Current roster: 53 players
Cuts remaining: 0

QB (2): Justin Herbert, Trey Lance

RB (3): Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal

WR (6): Quentin Johnston, Tre' Harris, Ladd McConkey, Brenen Thompson, Derius Davis, KeAndre Lambert-Smith

TE/FB (4): Charlie Kolar, David Njoku, Oronde Gadsden II, Alec Ingold

OL (11): Rashawn Slater, Kayode Awosika, Jake Slaughter, Cole Strange, Joe Alt, Trey Pipkins III, Trevor Penning, Travis Burke, Alex Harkey, Jacob Spomer, Logan Taylor

DT (5): Jamaree Caldwell, Dalvin Tomlinson, Teair Tart, Justin Eboigbe, Nick Barrett

EDGE (4): Tuli Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack, Akheem Mesidor, Bud Dupree

LB (5): Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Marlowe Wax, Del'Shawn Phillips

CB (5): Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, Deane Leonard, Rodney Shelley

S (6): Derwin James Jr., Elijah Molden, Genesis Smith, RJ Mickens, Tony Jefferson, Kendall Williamson

ST (2): Cameron Dicker (K), Josh Harris (LS),

Notable Cuts

Garmon Randolph, OLB

Randolph showed some flashes during the preseason, especially during his three-pressure game against the San Francisco 49ers. But it was always going to be difficult for him to make this roster, and with both Kyle Kennard and Andre Carter II as potential practice-squad candidates, Randolph likely doesn't have a path there either.

Kyle Kennard, OLB

Kennard is coming off the back of a majorly underwhelming rookie season with the Chargers, having appeared in just five games and posted two tackles and zero sacks. With UDFA Nadame Tucker and veteran defender Bud Dupree pushing for the roster, this felt like an inevitability as the preseason wore on.

DJ Uiagalelei, QB

There was evidently some sort of battle between Uiagalelei and Trey Lance for the QB2 spot behind Justin Herbert, and Uiagalelei was somewhat impressive during his three preseason appearances. He completed 24 of his 42 passing attempts for 341 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions.

He didn't truly look comfortable enough in the pocket though to consider rostering him this season, so his release doesn't come as a major surprise.

Junior Colson, LB

Colson made about as strong a case as he could have for the 53-man roster in the preseason, but he presumably gets beat out by Marlowe Wax, who impressed the coaching staff again with his intensity and rapid improvement in training camp.

Colson is Jim Harbaugh guy from Michigan, and he still certainly has upside to be unlocked as a versatile linebacker even after being heavily limited through his first two NFL seasons. Los Angeles is likely hoping he'll clear waivers and make it to the practice squad.

JK Scott, P

Scott had a rough preseason, but this move is somewhat surprising as the Chargers didn't bring in competition for him in training camp. Nor do they have anyone immediately available to fill the role. There should be a corresponding move made here in the near future, and that's something to keep an eye on.

This section will be updated as cuts are made official.

Potential waiver wire targets from around the league

Jordan Meredith, IOL, Las Vegas Raiders

The Chargers don't really have a ton of holes across the roster at this point. But if there's any move that's going to be made, you can bet right now that it will be to shore up the offensive line depth after the injury to Tyler Biadasz. With Jake Slaughter moving over to center, UDFA Jacob Spomer will likely make the roster as a back-up for the time being.

But if Los Angeles wants to make an upgrade, Meredith might be a solid waiver wire target. He struggled mightily in the mess that was last years Raiders O-line, but he's only two seasons removed from a relatively stellar 2025 campaign— in which he allowed just nine pressures across 399 pass-blocking snaps split between left and right guard.

He could provide the Chargers with some experience and some additional versatility if he ultimately doesn't make the cut for the re-shaped Las Vegas roster.

Jake Andrews, IOL, Houston Texans

Andrews' case is much the same as Meredith's, but there are two stark differences here.

Andrews took 1,093 snaps at center last season, nearly doubling Meredith's career total at the position, and there's a chance he costs a late-round draft pick depending on how the Texans' final roster needs shake out. With Keylan Rutledge winning the starting center job in camp and Evan Brown having versatility along the IOL, Andrews is suddenly expendable.

It's unlikely he'll make it to the Chargers if he ultimately does hit the waiver wire, but keep an eye out there.

*Update: Jordan Meredith has been traded to the New York Jets*

Nick Mullens, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Mullens was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after they swung a trade with the Miami Dolphins for Quinn Ewers on Sunday, and he could represent a potential option if the Chargers are looking to upgrade over Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei in their quarterback room.

Neither Uiagalelei nor Lance had a particularly inspiring preseason, and Mullens has eight seasons and 20 NFL starts under his belt as an experienced backup. He's not technically a waiver wire target, since he has more than four years of NFL experience, but he is available to be signed. Something to watch here, although Mullens will likely have some level of demand from multiple teams around the league.

Trevor Keegan, G, Dallas Cowboys

If the Chargers are going to add O-line depth on the waiver wire, it will likely be a bona fide backup center to upgrade over UDFA Jacob Spomer. While Keegan has taken practice reps at center, he hasn't played any snaps there either at the NFL or college level.

But he looked solid across three preseason games with Dallas, allowing just one pressure on 84 pass-blocking snaps. With Branson Taylor officially on the IR, Los Angeles might be looking to add some depth at guard before the 53-man roster is complete. It's also worth noting the Chargers tried to claim him last season when he was released by the Philadelphia Eagles.

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