8 takeaways from Los Angeles’ initial 53-man roster

The Los Angeles Chargers released their initial 53-man roster for the 2022 season on Tuesday afternoon.

Here are some takeaways from things that stood out:

Four running backs

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Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, and Larry Rountree III all made the roster and fullback Zander Horvath. That made spots in other areas tight, but clearly, the Chargers see something from each of them to determine they’re worth keeping. Kelley has been stellar this offseason and will open as the second back behind Ekeler. Spiller is one of the youngest players in the league, and the preseason ankle injury he suffered should only temporarily prevent him from reaching his sky-high ceiling. Rountree is the puzzling roster retention, as he looked ineffective in preseason action. But the second-year player is an essential special teamer who brings power that the other three backs do not.

Only five wide receivers

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Michael Bandy’s preseason performance led many to believe that the Chargers would at least entertain the thought of keeping six wide receivers, but he was waived early on Tuesday. The numbers were never in Bandy’s favor. Four of the five receivers on the 53 can play the slot, the same area of the field Bandy is limited to because of his size. In addition, keeping three quarterbacks, four running backs, and a fullback meant that offensive roster spots were at a premium. Hopefully, Bandy squeaks through waivers and returns on the practice squad, but it seems equally likely another team claims him due to his route-running savvy.

Could there be a possible waiver claim for a tight end?

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The Chargers kept only three tight ends on the initial roster – Gerald Everett, Donald Parham Jr., and Tre’ McKitty. That’s a departure from previous years, where Los Angeles kept four tight ends and used the fourth as a special teamer. That could mean that special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken is confident in what he’s getting from Rountree, Horvath, and McKitty. Or, it could mean that Hunter Kampmoyer didn’t do enough to crack the 53. With players like former Packers’ Jace Sternberger and former Rams’ Jacob Harris hitting the waiver wire, maybe Los Angeles elects to claim one to fill their special teams roles.

Betting on youth on the…