The LA Chargers' 53-man roster is starting to take shape with two preseason games in the books. There is still room for plenty of change, and for the team to naturally surprise us, but there is a lot more clarity now than there was a month ago.
While most of the roster spots are locked in, there are several that could be decided by the final preseason game of the year as well as the last week of training camp practice. There are certain players who hold a lead in these fringe spots, but they are not locked in stone.
This includes the quarterback position, which has been a lowlight for the Chargers during Justin Herbert's foot injury. Even with Herbert returning to practice on Monday, the Chargers may need to consider adding external help at the position.
That is exactly what the team did in our latest 53-man roster projection following the second preseason game of the year.
Chargers 53-man roster projection after preseason Week 2:
Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Tyler Huntley
Tyler Huntley is currently listed as the third-string quarterback on the Cleveland Browns behind Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston. While Huntley is a former Pro Bowler, it would make more sense for the Browns long-term to try and get something in trading him and allowing the younger Dorian Thompson-Robinson to be the third-string quarterback.
Whether Huntley is cut or traded, the Chargers should be interested. Trading a late day-three pick for a quality backup quarterback is not a bad move, especially one who has experience playing in Greg Roman's offense.
Running back (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson
Jaret Patterson has probably done enough to earn a roster spot on the Chargers and with injury concerns around both Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, it feels much more likely the team will carry a fourth running back vs. a fullback.
This leaves out 2022 fourth-round pick Isaiah Spiller, who hardly earned any offensive snaps in the second preseason game of the year and has never been a standout on special teams (despite getting first-team snaps in practice). Patterson has actual special teams experience, so he is the better option in that regard.
Wide receiver (6): Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, D.J. Chark, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis, Brenden Rice
As it stands right now, rookie Brenden Rice may still hold the WR6 spot on the 53-man roster. Rice has played a lot in the preseason for the Chargers and that bodes well for his roster chances.
However, he has not played as well as Simi Fehoko, who also adds special teams value. With another strong showing in the last preseason game of the year, Fehoko may edge out Rice for the final wide receiver spot on the roster. Either way, fellow seventh-round pick Cornelius Johnson no longer seems like a candidate to make the roster.
Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham, Stone Smartt
Stone Smartt had a bad game against the Rams and he is fighting for his roster life as a result. It seems very likely that the Chargers will carry four tight ends on the roster, so the question becomes if it will be Smartt or if new signing Tusker Fisk beats him out for that elusive roster spot.
Fisk turned in a very promising game against the Rams on Saturday. One more might be enough to get the job done.
Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Brenden Jaimes, Foster Sarrell
No real changes here for the Chargers, although the depth behind the starting offensive line could be a bit worrisome. Keep an eye out for the Chargers to stay active on the open market, potentially adding depth to this room if the right option becomes available.
Interior defensive line (6): Morgan Fox, Poona Ford, Otito Ogbonnia, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock, Justin Eboigbe
The Chargers signed former Tennessee Titans nose tackle Teair Tart and he should be considered a near-lock to make the 53-man roster. Tart adds a pass-rushing presence to the nose tackle position while also adding much-needed veteran depth in a room that is rather inexperienced.
Tart is good enough to beat Poona Ford out as the team's starting nose tackle. This really was a quality pickup for the Chargers at this stage of the preseason.
Edge (4): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree
The main difference here from a week ago is the removal of Tre'Mon Morris-Brash. Morris-Brash has been a standout in training camp and the preseason thus far but the addition of Tart may keep him off the roster (but on the practice squad).
The idea before Tart was signed was that Tuipulotu could kick inside when needed, creating the need for an extra edge rusher in certain packages. With Tart, that need no longer exists.
Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Troy Dye, Nick Niemann
Nothing has changed here as the Chargers have a better linebacker room than most NFL fans will realize. The trio of Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley and Junior Colson really should provide a strong foundation for the rest of the room.
Recently signed Shaquille Quarterman had a promising showing in the Chargers' second preseason game of the year and could be knocking on the door for a roster spot. Keep an eye on him in the preseason finale.
Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr, Kristian Fulton, Ja'Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still
There are no changes here and fans are over the moon about what this group might accomplish under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The early returns in camp and during the preseason have been great.
Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, Thomas Harper
The outlook of the safety position has changed a lot over the course of training camp and the preseason. AJ Finley has established himself as the third safety on the depth chart and with JT Woods moving to corner, Thomas Harper may have cemented himself as the fourth safety with a strong showing in Saturday's contest.
Special teams (3): Cameron Dicker, J.K. Scott, Josh Harris
For once, the Chargers' most stable position group is special teams. Cameron Dicker is one of the best kickers in the league, J.K. Scott is more than serviceable and Josh Harris does great as the long snapper.