Training camp and preseason play are over, so the Chargers’ coaching staff will use them as their resources to get the roster from 80 players to 53 ahead of the 2022 season.
The team will have until 1 pm on Tuesday to make their cuts.
With that being said, here is our final projection of what we believe the initial roster will look like:
Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick
No change here. Daniel and Stick are still in a battle for the primary backup spot. Stick has been the better quarterback for most of the preseason but struggles with ball placement and had a bad game Friday against the Saints. Daniel brings veteran experience to the position that the team values.
Running back (4): Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Rountree III
As much as I’d hate for the team to keep four running backs, it seems like a formality with the Spiller ankle injury last week against the Cowboys. However, Rountree got more involved in the passing game against the Saints, and it looks like he will have a role. He and Kelley are also starting special teamers.
Fullback (1): Zander Horvath
Gabe Nabers has been practicing as a tight end because of injuries at the position, but that should tell you that Horvath has this job all but locked up.
Wide receiver (5): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, DeAndre Carter, Jalen Guyton
It pains me to leave preseason standout Michael Bandy off the 53, but I think there isn’t room for him if the team keeps three QBs and four RBs. Bandy is also limited to the slot where Allen, Palmer, and Carter can all produce as well. All five of the receivers projected to make the 53 will have a defined role on offense, with Carter and Guyton playing key roles on special teams.
Tight end (3): Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty
Keeping it at three tight ends here because it seems like Parham will be ready to go by Week 1. While Hunter Kampmoyer has been a special teams starter, he fumbled on Friday against the Saints. If they can’t or don’t cross-train Horvath to play some tight end, I expect LA to make another addition after IR and PUP moves, whether Kampmoyer or an outside addition.
Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton, Jamaree Salyer, Will Clapp, Ryan Hunter
The starting five is set with Pipkins winning the right tackle competition against Norton, who will be the swing tackle. Slater, Feiler, and Linsley…
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