August 30th was the final day for NFL teams to reduce their roster to 53 players. With so much talent in the league, there were some players who were let go despite having a productive preseason. There were a lot of tough decisions that had to be made by Tuesday 1pm. Let’s take a look at some of the notable players that did not make the Chargers final 53 man roster.
WR Michael Bandy
It was already a tough ask with two $20 million dollar receivers in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams on the roster. Josh Palmer and Jalen Guyton add great depth and have developed chemistry with Justin Herbert. Earlier this offseason, the Chargers signed WR DeAndre Carter who will have a role in the offense as well as in the return game. Michael Bandy led the team in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns during the preseason. However, it was not enough to make a team with an established receiving core.
DT Christian Covington
Christian Covington played 16 games in 2021 and started in three. Covington will be on another NFL roster in no time with his experience. Although a solid player, changes had to be made to improve a run defense that was ranked 30th in 2021.
FB Gabe Nabers
Gabe Nabers was a great fit in the locker room and it was tough to see the Chargers let him go. However, it doesn’t feel as bad after watching what Zander Horvath can do. Horvath will be helpful in creating space for runners as well as a reliable option in short yardage situations.
Below is the Final 53 man roster via Chargers Wire
Offense
Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick
Running back (4): Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Rountree III
Fullback (1): Zander Horvath
Wide receiver (5): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, DeAndre Carter, Jalen Guyton
Tight end (3): Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty
Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton, Jamaree Salyer, Will Clapp, Brenden Jaimes
Defense
Defensive line (6): Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Jerry Tillery, Breiden Fehoko
Edge rusher (3): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Chris Rumph II
Linebacker (5): Kyle Van Noy, Drue Tranquill, Kenneth Murray Jr., Troy Reeder, Nick Niemann, Amen Ogbongbemiga
Cornerback (6): JC Jackson, Asante Samuel Jr., Bryce Callahan, Michael Davis, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard
Safety (4): Derwin James Jr., Nasir Adderley, JT Woods, Alohi Gilman
Specialists (3): K Dustin Hopkins, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris
The Chargers announced that RT Trey Pipkins won the starting job over Storm Norton. Having been cut twice in his career, DT Breiden Fehoko was very emotional when hearing he made the team per Nick Cothrel Charger Report. “It’s just been one those rides where I’ve always had to battle from the bottom up. I’ve had to grind for everything I have. Wouldn’t want it any other way. I never want things handed to me on a silver platter. I always want people to challenge me.” After competing all through training camp and preseason, the Los Angeles Chargers believe they have a 53 man roster that will be successful in 2022.
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