The LA Chargers cut the roster down to 53 players on Tuesday in what was one of the more shocking cut days in recent memory for the Bolts. While the skeleton of the roster was apparent, the Chargers shocked fans with the decisions that were made around the fringes.
Several fan favorites were let go while the Chargers opted to keep a few surprises. The most surprising move of the day, though, was putting second-year linebacker Junior Colson on Injured Reserve without a designation to return. This ends Colson's season before it even starts.
This leaves the Chargers thin at linebacker with just four players on the active roster. However, there is another injured player on the Chargers' 53-man roster who could create space for the Bolts to add at linebacker.
Chargers' 53-man roster leaves door wide open to add a linebacker
The Chargers can certainly use another linebacker, and there is a way for the team to get one. It all revolves around preseason standout Eric Rogers, who recorded two interceptions against the Los Angeles Rams in the preseason.
Rogers suffered an injury in the same game that appeared to be worrisome. Rogers has not practiced since and at this rate, it would be surprising if he can suit up in Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
So why keep a player who is injured? Why not just put Rogers on the IR to open up a roster spot? There are only two IR spots a team can use on players who are designated to return and the Chargers used those spots on Josh Harris and Deane Leonard.
Thus, the Chargers had to carry Rogers on the 53-man roster and may eventually put him on IR. Teams are only allowed eight IR returns in a season, and keeping Rogers on the roster allows the team to evaluate his injury more before making a decision.
In all likelihood, Rogers will eventually hit the IR, putting him on the shelf for four games. This opens a roster spot for the Chargers, who should almost certainly use it on a linebacker. Los Angeles already has 12 players in the secondary with only four linebackers. Linebacker depth is a premium, especially if that depth can produce on special teams.
Of course, the door is still open for the Chargers to use a created roster spot on another defensive back. Veteran Tony Jefferson was a shocking release and could be the "replacement" for Rogers. If so, it would be savvy roster manipulation by the Chargers to essentially keep both players in the long run.
Either way, the Chargers have the means to create another roster via Rogers' injury. How exactly the team uses it remains to be seen.