The Los Angeles Chargers will kick off the 2025 NFL season with a marquee matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 5 at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil.
While most of the Chargers’ depth chart is already set, a few roster battles remain unresolved as the preseason winds down. Linebackers Caleb Murphy and Tre’Mon Morris-Brash, along with veteran safety Tony Jefferson, have all impressed over the past few weeks but could find themselves fighting for the final roster spots.
The biggest unknown centers on running back Najee Harris, one of Los Angeles’ headline free-agent additions. Harris has yet to take part in preseason practices, raising questions about his readiness and role heading into Week 1.
NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. With that deadline looming, here’s how the Chargers’ roster projection shapes up:
Los Angeles Chargers Roster Projection
Quarterbacks (2)
Justin Herbert, Trey Lance
Who’s out: Taylor Heinicke, DJ Uiagalelei
Lance edged out Heinicke after a strong camp and preseason, showcasing decision-making, mobility, and downfield accuracy that give him real upside as Herbert’s backup. With Herbert’s injury history over the past three seasons, this role carried extra weight. Lance’s ceiling won out over Heinicke’s experience.
The Chargers may explore trade options for Heinicke rather than carry three quarterbacks on the 53.
Running Backs (4)
Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?
Omarion Hampton, Hassan Haskins, Raheim Sanders, Kimani Vidal
Who’s out: Jaret Patterson, Nyheim Miller-Hines
Other: Najee Harris (NFI)
Najee Harris remains on the non-football injury list after his July 4 accident, sidelining him for at least the first four games. Hampton has looked the part of RB1, with Haskins trusted as both a runner and core special teamer. Sanders, an undrafted free agent, impressed enough that the Chargers won’t risk exposing him to waivers.
Vidal’s injury complicated matters, but his consistent work on special teams keeps him in the mix. If his health doesn’t improve, he could be a short-term IR candidate.
Fullback (1)
Scott Matlock
Matlock solidified the job late in camp, while also providing defensive line depth.
Wide Receivers (6)
Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen, Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis
Who’s out: Jalen Reagor, Jaylen Johnson, Brenden Rice, Luke Grimm, Dalevon Campbell, JaQuae Jackson
Allen’s signing in August locked in the top of the depth chart, with McConkey shining as Herbert’s go-to target. Harris and Lambert-Smith round out a young but promising group. Davis keeps his roster spot thanks to his return skills.
Reagor’s injury during camp derailed his chances of sticking.
Tight Ends (3)
Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Oronde Gadsden
Who’s out: Tucker Fisk, Stevo Klotz, Thomas Yassmin (IPP exempt)
Dissly and Conklin give Harbaugh steady veteran options, while Gadsden’s versatility adds another dimension. Fisk is a practice squad candidate thanks to his blocking ability, though he lacks the all-around game to make the cut.
Offensive Line (9)
Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Trey Pipkins III, Jamaree Salyer, Branson Taylor, Andre James, David Sharpe
Who’s out: Nash Jones, Josh Kaltenberger, Karsen Barnhart, Corey Stewart, Ryan Nelson
The Chargers’ depth took a major hit with Rashawn Slater’s season-ending injury, making this unit one to watch. Alt steps into a key role right away, while Hortiz is expected to continue exploring external options before Week 1.
Defensive Line (6)
Teair Tart, Otito Ogbonnia, Da’Shawn Hand, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Naquan Jones
Who’s out: Christopher Hinton, TeRah Edwards, Nesta Jade Silvera
This may be the Chargers roster most improved group on the roster. Tart and Ogbonnia anchor the front, while rookie Jamaree Caldwell has flashed major upside. Depth is strong enough that all six could see regular snaps.
Edge Rushers (5)
Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Caleb Murphy, Kyle Kennard
Who’s out: Tre’Mon Morris-Brash, Kylan Guidry, Garmon Randolph
Mack and Tuipulotu give Los Angeles a dynamic one-two punch, with Dupree providing veteran depth. Murphy not only earned a roster spot but projects to be active on game days thanks to his work on special teams and flashes as a situational rusher.
Linebackers (4)
Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Del’Shawn Phillips
Who’s out: Kana’i Mauga, Marlowe Wax, Emany Johnson
Other: Junior Colson (IR)
Phillips returned from the PUP list in time to cement a role, likely replacing Nick Niemann’s contributions. Colson’s late-camp injury pushes him to injured reserve to start the year, with a potential midseason return.
Safeties (5)
Derwin James Jr., Elijah Molden, Alohi Gilman, Tony Jefferson, RJ Mickens
Who’s out: Kendall Williamson, Jaylen Jones
James remains the defensive centerpiece. Molden and Gilman provide versatility, while Jefferson and rookie Mickens round out the unit. Mickens’ tackling ability and physical play stood out in August.
Cornerbacks (5)
Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, Benjamin St-Juste, Ja’Sir Taylor
Who’s out: Nikko Reed, Trikweze Bridges, Myles Purchase, Eric Rogers, Nehemiah Shelton, Harrison Hand
Other: Deane Leonard (IR)
The Chargers opted for balance here, mixing veterans with young upside. Still has been a pleasant surprise, while Taylor’s special teams value earns him a spot. Leonard’s injury forces him to IR to start the year. Reed is a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Specialists (3)
P JK Scott, LS Josh Harris, K Cameron Dicker
No competition was brought in this summer, and this group was locked in early. Harris left the 49ers game with an injury, so his status will be something to monitor, though the team has fallback options.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Chargers YouTube Channel