As the Los Angeles Chargers prepare for their final preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh will have a difficult time cutting the current 90-man roster down due to the individual performances players have displayed this offseason.
With that, let’s take a look at 3 candidates who could be surprise cuts from the final 53-man roster.
3 Surprising Los Angeles Chargers Players Who Could Be Cut
Nikko Reed | CB | # 46
The undrafted CB out of Oregon had one of the highlights of the preseason during the HOF game, where he didn’t allow a single catch while also adding a pass breakup and interception. It garnered him a 92.9 overall PFF grade, which was the highest in that game.
Since then, Reed (5’10”, 180 lbs) has largely been unavailable, missing practices and the preseason Week 1 contest against the New Orleans Saints due to an undisclosed injury. He played against the Los Angeles Rams this past week and showed some encouraging signs, recording three tackles.
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With fellow UDFA CB Eric Rogers (6’2 189 lbs), 2 interceptions performance (96.6 PFF grade), and veterans Ja’Sir Taylor (5’10 185 lbs) and Deane Leonnard (6’0 195 lbs) in the fold, it remains to be seen how Reed makes this roster, as he’s certainly far from a lock at this point.
Hopefully, he’s able to make a push in this preseason game to separate himself and force the coaching staff to keep him on this team and not hit waivers.
Caleb Murphy | OLB | #50
Caleb Murphy (6’3 265 lbs) made his presence known on the first play of the preseason when he contributed to a forced fumble on the kickoffs unit that resulted in a turnover for the Chargers.
He built off that performance against the Saints, where he registered 2 sacks, including one for a forced fumble, and 3 tackles for an 85.2 PFF grade.
With the Chargers likely keeping their 4th rounder Kyle Kennard (6’5 254 lbs), it forces a tough hand for the front office and coaching staff to keep a fifth pass rusher on the team.
What might give him a slight edge to make the roster is his value as a core four special teamer on Ryan Ficken’s unit. It’s an area where Kennard has virtually no impact, which should only further boost Murphy’s stock.
At this point, he’s put everything on tape, from his pass rush prowess, ability to set the edge, and special team acumen, leaving it all up to the Chargers to make the final decision.
Tucker Fisk | TE | #42
Tucker Fisk (6’4 285 lbs) is currently the fourth TE on the depth chart, taking on the backup blocking tight end role and part-time FB role on the team in 21 or 22 personnel formations.
He’s performed relatively well in the preseason so far, earning an 79.9 PFF grade against the Lions and an 86.8 PFF grade against the Saints.
Unfortunately, this role is redundant to starting FB Scott Matlock (6’4 296 lbs), who has considerably more upside given the switch to the offensive side of the ball from DT just last season.
A two-way player himself during his time at Stanford, he simply has a lower ceiling as a player, which might be the deciding factor for the coaching staff to choose between the two when it comes down to it.
Los Angeles Chargers Final Roster
Hopefully these players are all able ot make the final roster, if not, they have a good shot of landing with another team or even back on the Chargers practice squad.