The Los Angeles Chargers have an interesting case in FB/TE Scott Matlock.
Since Jim Harbaugh took the reins in Los Angeles, Matlock has clearly been a favorite of his. He facilitated Matlock's transition from the defensive line to the fullback position in 2024, and he was likely the primary reason he stuck in Greg Roman's scheme last season.
But with Alec Ingold following Mike McDaniel to the organization, the Chargers have now definitively upgraded over Matlock at that position. His shot to make the roster, now, is as a pure blocking tight end.
That won't be an easy path either. In addition to emergent pass catcher Oronde Gadsden II, the Chargers added both Charlie Kolar and David Njoku to fill out that room this offseason. It's unlikely Los Angeles will be willing to carry four tight ends on the 53-man roster heading into 2026 given their depth needs at other positions.
But with Matlock taking reps at offensive tackle on Saturday, things have now gotten a bit stranger. While the opportunity was likely just an experiment to get Matlock some additional in-line blocking reps, it's a reminder of why the Chargers might be inclined to keep him on the roster in 2026.
Scott Matlock isn't an offensive tackle— but he might be the versatile piece Jim Harbaugh wants on the roster
As Kris Rhim at ESPN reported, Matlock's first few 1-on-1 reps at offensive tackle looked rough, but he put up a solid showing against Akheem Mesidor after some coaching from O-line coach Butch Barry.
But that's largely beside the point.
If Matlock is going to function as a blocking tight end, there will be times where he will need to function as a tackle when Joe Alt or Rashawn Slater is required to swing to the other side of the line. Both Kolar and Njoku are capable of taking on that role if necessary.
But the reason that Matlock has made the roster over the past two seasons under Harbaugh is because of his versatility. He's not a technically refined blocker or a true skill player on the offensive side of the ball, but he plays multiple positions with intensity and constantly shows a high motor on the field. The Chargers are constantly willing to experiment with his skill set, and his reps at tackle are just further evidence of that.
Could his roster spot be better utilized on an additional edge rusher or cornerback? Probably.
Plenty of teams carry four tight ends on their 53-man roster, though— especially those with an emphasis on multiple tight-end sets like the Chargers are projected to have under McDaniel. Matlock has shown time and time again why Harbaugh trusts him in these sort of scenarios. He's willing to go all-out and improve in any facet of his game that Los Angeles requires.
For better or worse, that's the type of player that Harbaugh wants on his team. At this point, Matlock still seems destined for the practice squad, and that's likely the way it should be. But don't be shocked if Matlock is one of the names on the 53-man roster when cuts are made on Aug. 30.
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