The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing to finalize their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, ahead of their 2026 NFL regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on September 13 at SoFi Stadium. Before this deadline, the team will face the Los Angeles Rams in their final preseason game on Thursday.
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and General Manager Joe Hortiz are tasked with making tough decisions, particularly in positions such as outside linebacker, safety, and offensive line. Undrafted players, including outside linebacker Nadame Tucker and cornerbacks Rodney Shelley and Avery Smith, have shown strong performances during training camp, complicating the cut process.
The projected roster includes two quarterbacks, with Lance likely to take the backup role over DJ Uiagalelei due to his mobility. The running back group is expected to feature Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal, while Amar Johnson and Jaret Patterson are competing for a potential fourth spot.
The tight end position is considered robust, with David Njoku, Oronde Gadsden, and Charlie Kolar expected to make the cut.
On defense, the roster is anticipated to include five defensive linemen and ten linebackers, with notable players like Denzel Perryman and Khalil Mack. The cornerback group is projected to have six players, including Avery Smith, while the safety position may include five players, with Kendall Williamson facing the possibility of being cut from last year's roster.