Chargers roster projection 2.0: 53-man roster sees three big changes

The Chargers have weeks of practice in training camp in the books as well as a preseason game against the LA Rams. There have been some changes in that time from how the team looked at the start of training camp.

There are still two more preseason games to play and plenty of practices to be had during training camp that will continue to change the outlook of the team. As it stands right now, though, there have been three big changes to our initial 53-man roster projection.

Updated Chargers 53-man roster projection:

Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick, Max Duggan

Nothing changes here at the quarterback position. It is pretty clear that the Chargers are going to have three QBs on the 53-man roster. That being said, Easton Stick is undoubtedly the QB2 after his preseason performance against the Rams.

Running back (3): Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Elijah Dotson

Is it a bit too early to give Elijah Dotson the nod? Perhaps. But Dotson stood out tremendously against the Rams and good production should be rewarded. Plus, the Chargers may make room for him by axing another player...

Fullback (0)

Kellen Moore is not someone who utilizes the fullback position and that may hurt Zander Horvath's chances of making the roster. It seems crazy now but there is a real chance that the Chargers roll with four tailbacks and put Horvath on the practice squad to start the year.

Wide receiver (6): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, John Hightower, Derius Davis

John Hightower has been the star of training camp thus far and it is going to be really hard to leave him off the roster, especially with his special teams value. Jalen Guyton still has not returned from his ACL injury so the Chargers may start him off on the IR and then figure it out from there.

Tight end (3): Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre' McKitty

Nothing changes at tight end, although there are concerns about how this group is going to perform in 2023. As it stands right now, this is by far the thinnest position on the offensive side of the football for the Bolts.

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Corey Linsley, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins, Foster Sarell, Jordan McFadden, Will Clapp, Brenden Jaimes

Nothing changes with the offensive linemen that the Chargers will throw out there although it could in the future if the team makes a signing. The swing tackle position is a huge concern right now for the Bolts as Foster Sarell has really struggled.

Interior defensive line (6): Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, Scott Matlock, Christopher Hinton, Jerrod Clark

The only change here is Otito Ogbonnia not being on the 53-man roster as it seems likely that he too could begin the season on the IR. Hopefully, the Chargers can come around health-wise at this position as Austin Johnson still has not practiced and Sebastian Joseph-Day had to sit out with a minor quad injury.

EDGE (4): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Chris Rumph

Nothing is changing at edge rusher, yet, although there are several players knocking on the door to make the roster. If Ogbonnia and Johnson end up being healthy then the team may cut someone like Jerrod Clark to make room at edge.

Linebacker (6): Eric Kendricks, Kenneth Murray, Amen Ogbongbemiga, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Blake Lynch

Amen Ogbongbemiga appears to be the LB3 right now on the depth chart and Kenneth Murray has actually looked really good in camp. There is a chance for this linebacker room to be far deeper than fans expected in 2023. Because of that, Blake Lynch is someone who is on the chopping block, likely in favor of an edge rusher.

Cornerback (5): Michael Davis, J.C. Jackson, Asante Samuel Jr, Ja'Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard

The only change here is that Asante Samuel Jr. is in the starting lineup. There was speculation that Samuel would be the odd man out but he has been far too good in camp thus far to make him the CB4.

Safeties (5): Derwin James, Alohi GIlman, JT Woods, Raheem Layne, Mark Webb Jr.

This is suddenly an area of concern for the Chargers with Alohi Gilman suffering an injury during camp. The depth at safety behind Gilman is extremely worrisome and makes fans wonder why John Johnson wasn't a priority for the team.

Special teams: Josh Harris (LS), JK Scott (P), Cameron Dicker (K)

The other big change in this roster projection is Cameron Dicker getting the nod at kicker over Dustin Hopkins. This kicking battle seems to be all but over with the cheaper, younger kicker getting the nod here.