Chargers' roster cut paves the way for Jordan McFadden to be top fullback

The LA Chargers made the signing of former Jaguars' linebacker Shaq Quarterman official on Tuesday. In a corresponding move, they waived former Michigan FB Ben Mason. The Chargers signed Mason in free agency back in early April.

Prior to the emergence of McFadden in camp, Mason was thought by many to be a shoe-in for the top fullback job. The Michigan and Jim Harbaugh connections to Mason seemed rather potent following the spring signing.

But once McFadden got a chance to work with the coaching staff this summer, his momentum for the top fullback job only seemed to increase. At training camp, McFadden spent time working with Justin Herbert and the teams' centers on handoff drills.

He worked with the coaching staff on receiving technique. In 11-on-11 drills, the team's depth offensive lineman was put into motion several times and ran routes as a fullback.

Chargers have fallen in love with Jordan McFadden's versatility

Harbaugh speculated in the spring that McFadden could have utility as the teams' backup center. At a recent media availability, Harbaugh explained that it was GM Joe Hortiz who came up with the idea of potentially using him as a fullback. Hortiz and the Ravens went through a similar position conversion concept with Patrick Ricard. Ricard converted from defensive tackle to full-time fullback.

While the move to fullback could be exciting for McFadden in Greg Roman's offense, it does also come with some potential drawbacks. McFadden could still certainly play along the offensive line in injury scenarios, but then the Chargers would have to shift some of their offensive plans involving fullback usage in-game.

The depth on the interior offensive line outside of McFadden also hasn't been much to write home about. Foster Sarell struggled when playing guard on Saturday. Brenden Jaimes also gave up two fairly rough-looking pressures vs. Seattle.

Even with said drawbacks, McFadden pulling off a conversion to fullback would be helpful in the grand scheme of things for this offense. If the Chargers want to base their attack around a Roman-centric scheme, they need their equivalent of a Ricard-type of player.

Current Chargers' assistant coach Will Tukuafu played both fullback and defensive tackle under Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco. McFadden will now look to do the same as an offensive lineman and fullback.

McFadden will look to get more reps at fullback this weekend as the Chargers prepare to take on the Rams in Week 2 of the preseason.