Time runs out on preseason, some players

Chas Alecxhi came through the right side of the line, straight at Logan Thomas and dropped the Cardinals’ third-string quarterback violently at the 3-yard line.

Alecxhi jumped up, flexed and was surrounded by others dressed in blue and gold. A group of guys who have been teammates for months and would be for one more night.

It was just one of the compelling scenes you could find if you were looking for them during the Chargers’ exhibition finale, a game so many others deemed meaningless.

Dozens of young men inside Qualcomm Stadium last night put on their helmets and shoulder pads for the last time.

A whole bunch of guys played like mad to try to make sure they weren’t one of those.

View the photo gallery: Chargers-Cardinals 8/28/2014

In a stadium no more than half full at any time, a few of them accomplished that and others simply cemented the demolition of their dream.

Veterans on the sideline reacted enthusiastically to big plays on the field. As the stadium emptied, there were several players for whom time was running out. They played like it.

At the end of his 26-yard interception return, Alden Darby celebrated as if he'd invented something. He's likely headed to the practice squad, and that play didn't hurt his chances.

That’s what Thursday night was all about. It certainly was not about the 12-9 Chargers victory which left them 2-2 this preseason.

Not one defensive starter played Thursday. Among the offensive starters, only tight end David Johnson, considered a starter since the Chargers list two tight ends rather than a fullback, played.

Donald Brown, perhaps the best third-string running back in the NFL, started but left at the end of one series. It was none too soon, as he was leveled after making a third-down reception. He walked off the field and appeared to be fine, but the hit accentuated why just 18 players projected to be on the 53-man roster announced Saturday participated in Thursday’s game.

It was Branden Oliver who took over for Brown. But that might have been the last time we saw him so prominent.

Marion Grice was most notable on Thursday among those that may have swayed the Chargers coaching staff and personnel folks.

Ever since the preseason opener, in which Oliver appeared to snatch the No.4 running back job with 64 yards and a touchdown on seven carries, Grice has slowly worked his way back onto the roster while Oliver has not taken advantage of every chance to secure a spot.

Over the final three exhibitions, Oliver played earlier than Grice. But it was Grice who handled kickoffs better and showed ability as a runner that he hadn’t before and also caught the ball well.

Grice on Thursday was the more consistently productive back with 15 carries for 68 yards, though Oliver (on the strength of a late 24-yard run) continued to show he can have an NFL future.

For what it’s worth, which isn’t all that much, Grice finished the preseason with 156 yards on 39 carries, Oliver 161 on 35.

The one who is not on the 53-man roster will likely find a spot on the practice squad.

The most pertinent battle of the evening – not a sexy one, but important – was between Willie Smith and Mike Harris to be the backup offensive tackle.

Smith likely entered the game with a slight edge in the competition and probably maintained it before limping off midway through the third quarter. He had his ankle taped and appeared to make a plea to return to the game. He eventually did, making a key block on Oliver’s long run.

There remains a spot open on the defensive line, and even if it is rookie Tenny Palepoi who remains on Saturday afternoon, the Chargers may still look for a veteran replacement from among other teams’ cuts.

The only other question on the 53-man roster appears to be whether the Chargers keep a fourth quarterback.

The signs point to Brad Sorensen being retained for a second season. They endured several injuries, and they made almost a dozen transactions to bolster their depth between September and January without letting Sorenson go.

They appear prepared to do the same thing again.

Cut will likely begin today. The Chargers have 22 to make before 1 p.m. Saturday.

The countdown began Thursday night.