Chargers make 5 moves, down to 75

The Chargers cleared five roster spots Tuesday.

The most notable involved Kwame Geathers.

Carted off the field Sunday with a knee injury against the 49ers, the nose tackle had an MRI on Monday confirming the team’s hopes he avoided significant ligament damage, sources said. However, after discussion, the injury was deemed substantial enough to affect his ability to contribute this season, and with the defensive line shorthanded and needing bodies, the second-year pro was placed on injured reserve.

Cornerback Marcus Cromartie (groin) and defensive end Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe (knee) joined him on IR.

The Chargers also placed guard Jeromey Clary (hip) on the Reserve-Physically Unable to Perform list, as expected, and cut cornerback Brandon Ghee. Ghee signed a two-year deal in March but did not distinguish himself in camp.

Geathers, a former undrafted rookie from Georgia, is under contract next season. He will work to continue a development that’s seen him make strides in his game, his pad level at 6-foot-6 the key remaining issue. The 23-year-old was expected to be the primary backup at nose tackle behind Sean Lissemore. He is not expected to sign an injury settlement, a source said, meaning he’ll be out this season. He’ll earn $318,000 in split salary.

Rookie fifth-round pick Ryan Carrethers appears the favorite to handle the role. Nothing is set in stone.

The Chargers are expected to scour free agency in the coming days for potential depth upgrades on their defensive line as well as other spots on the roster. Rosters must be cut from 75 to 53 by Saturday at 1 p.m. This typically is the time of year when trade talks heat up. Last year, General Manager Tom Telesco acquired Lissemore from the Cowboys for a conditional 2015 seventh-round pick.