After three preseason games and the most exciting training camp in recent history under Jim Harbaugh, the LA Chargers have officially cut the roster down to 53 players ahead of the 2024 season.
This is the second year of the NFL's new cut-day rules where they all come at once as opposed to structured cuts like in years past. For that reason, the Chargers had to cut a total of 37 players to get the roster down to 53. Of those 27, another 17 will be signed to the practice squad.
Here is the 53-man roster the Chargers are rolling with after Tuesday's cut day deadline:
Position | Players |
|---|---|
Quarterback (2): | Justin Herbert, Easton Stick |
Running back (4): | Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson |
Wide receiver (7): | Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko, Brenden Rice |
Tight end (3): | Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Stone Smartt |
Offensive line (9): | Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Brenden Jaimes, Foster Sarell |
EDGE (4): | Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree |
Interior defensive line (6): | Poona Ford, Otito Ogbonnia, Morgan Fox, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock, Justin Eboigbe |
Linebacker (4): | Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Troy Dye |
Cornerback (7): | Asante Samuel Jr, Kristian Fulton, Ja'Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, JT Woods |
Safety (4): | Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, Tony Jefferson |
Special teams (3): | Cameron Dicker, J.K. Scott, Josh Harris |
Chargers 53-man roster can still change before Week 1
While this is the 53-man roster the team is rolling with after the preseason it does not mean it will be the 53-man roster that exists on Week 1. There are several areas the Chargers can add reinforcements and the team will keep an eye out around the rest of the league.
Easton Stick's job as the backup quarterback may not be safe as the Chargers prod around the league and potentially look to bring in a better backup via waivers or a trade. With such a low bar, there are many quarterbacks who would be better options than Stick available.
There are also thin positions such as tight end that could use some help, too. Nobody really stood out in the tight end room in the preseason and if something happens to Will Dissly the Chargers will be in trouble.
General manager Joe Hortiz has been very active in working around the roster fringes during training camp and fans should expect that to continue into the 2024 season. If there are players throughout the league who can help the team then Hortiz is going to at least consider them.
That means that some players who made the initial 53-man roster may not end up being on the roster for very long. For now, all we can do is wait and see.