Predicting the Chargers’ 53: Final take
Final cuts are due by 1 p.m. (PT) on Saturday. The Chargers have 22 players to trim in order to get down to 53. U-T Chargers beat writer Michael Gehlken and columnist Kevin Acee offer their assistance in the form of their final predictions here.
QB (3)
Philip Rivers
Kellen Clemens
Brad Sorensen: Was 22-of-39 for 159 yards and two interceptions in four exhibition games (46.7 rating). Team can get away carrying three. Despite moderate production, sense is they will.
Related story: Chargers cut Sorensen, Reese, others
RB (4)
Ryan Mathews
Danny Woodhead
Donald Brown
Marion Grice: Late surge too much to ignore — 17 carries, 79 yards in Thursday exhibition finale. Edges Branden Oliver, but the case can be made either way.
OL (8)
King Dunlap
Chad Rinehart
Nick Hardwick
Johnnie Troutman: Expected to start for RG Jeromey Clary (hip), who is inactive a minimum six weeks on the PUP list.
D.J. Fluker
Chris Watt
Rich Ohrnberger
Willie Smith: Arguably his best game of preseason came when he needed it most. He gets nod over Michael Harris in tight race.
WR (6)
Keenan Allen
Malcom Floyd
Eddie Royal
Vincent Brown: Encouraging strides being made in rehab from July 25 calf injury. Taken longer than expected, but he's close to practicing.
Dontrelle Inman
Seyi Ajirotutu
Related
Time runs out on preseason, some players
Marion Grice builds case for Chargers
TE (4)
Antonio Gates
Ladarius Green
David Johnson
John Phillips
DL (6)
Corey Liuget
Kendall Reyes
Sean Lissemore
Lawrence Guy
Ryan Carrethers: With Kwame Geathers (knee) on injured reserve, fifth-round rookie nose tackle could see more of field than previously planned.
Tenny Palepoi: An end who's also worked at nose tackle, he pushes streak to 18 years an undrafted rookie makes franchise's 53. Chargers still could bring in outside help, as they monitor cuts around the league.
OLB (5)
Melvin Ingram
Jarret Johnson
Dwight Freeney
Jerry Attaochu
Tourek Williams: Showed some life in run support Thursday, setting the edge the best he has this preseason. Seems firmly ahead of Thomas Keiser.
ILB (5)
Donald Butler
Manti Te'o
Kavell Conner: It doesn't appear Te'o's job is in jeopardy, but Conner proving an upgrade to depth the Chargers had in 2013. Also contributes on special teams.
Reggie Walker
Andrew Gachkar
CB (4)
Shareece Wright
Brandon Flowers
Jason Verrett: Athleticism been on full display since start of training camp. Should make impact for club as rookie.
Steve Williams
Safety (5)
Eric Weddle
Marcus Gilchrist
Jahleel Addae
Darrell Stuckey
Richard Marshall: Move from cornerback helps him stick. Addae (hamstring) in question for season opener.
Kicker (1)
Nick Novak
Punter (1)
Mike Scifres
Long snapper (1)
Mike Windt