Chargers: A look at some of the players on the roster bubble.
The Chargers are down to one training camp practice and one preseason game before they’re faced with tough decisions to trim the roster to 53 players.
But plenty could still happen between now and Tuesday’s 1 p.m. deadline for roster cuts.
By this reporter’s estimation, 47 players are likely safe to be on the team’s initial 53-man roster and 12 players are likely longshots to make it. Below are the lists of the 47 players who are likely safe and the 12 longshot players.
That leaves 22 players on the roster bubble fighting for an estimated six openings.
This is where the 22 roster-bubble players stand heading into the final preseason game Saturday night against the Seattle Seahawks:
1. STEPHEN ANDERSON, TE >>
Anderson is likely fourth on the tight end depth chart, but he’s provided versatility as a contributor on special teams. He has also received repetitions at fullback during practices.
2. MICHAEL BADGLEY, K >>
Badgley trimmed Tristan Vizcaino’s lead for the kicker opening by making more field goals than him in practice last week and had a 50-yard field goal against the San Francisco 49ers last weekend. But Badgley’s lack of leg strength could hurt him when it’s time to decide on a kicker.
3. DARIUS BRADWELL, RB >>
Bradwell had an impressive performance in the preseason game against the Rams, but it’s going to be tough for him to jump the four running backs ahead of him.
4. JOHN BRANNON, CB >> Brannon has grabbed the coaches’ attention by racking up interceptions in practices. If Ryan Smith isn’t healthy by the start of the season, that could help Brannon make the roster.
5. CORTEZ BROUGHTON, DT >>
Broughton has had strong performances in practice and preseason games, and he’s pushing to be on the likely safe list.
6. COLE CHRISTIANSEN, LB
>> Christiansen helped his cause with seven total tackles and a fumble recovery against the 49ers.
7. CHASE DANIEL, QB >> Daniel has had mixed results in practices and preseason games, but his experience and familiarity with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi should help him make the roster.
8. BREIDEN FEHOKO, DT >> Fehoko’s strong training camp could lead to him being Linval Joseph’s backup as a nose tackle.
9. JOE GAZIANO, DL >> Chargers coach Brandon Staley recently gave Gaziano a shoutout for being a versatile defensive lineman who can play inside and on the edge.
10. KEMON HALL, CB >> Hall had a strong start to training camp and has received reps with the team’s top defensive players. But he’s competing with Brannon for a roster spot in the secondary that might not be available.
11. RYAN HUNTER, OL >> Hunter saw a few snaps on the field with starting quarterback Justin Herbert during practices this week. He’s moved up on the depth chart.
12. TYREE ST. LOUIS, OL >>
St. Louis has lost reps to Hunter when it comes to the second offensive line group in practices.
13. COLE MAZZA, LS >> Mazza has been sidelined in practice with a shoulder injury. He should be safe if he’s healthy before the regular season.
14. FORREST MERRILL, DT >>
Merrill’s high motor has stood out to Staley. He’s behind on the depth chart, but he has shown the ability to create a push at the line of scrimmage.
15. JASON MOORE, WR >> Moore has experience with the Chargers, but their depth at the position could hurt him.
16. STORM NORTON, OT >> Norton is coming off a rocky week against the 49ers, but the team values what he did the first few weeks in camp. 17. AMEN OGBONGBEMIGA,
LB >> Ogbongbemiga was on track to being a lock to make the roster, but he is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.
18. MATT OVERTON, LS >>
Overton could be in line to be the long snapper if Mazza isn’t ready for the start of the regular season.
19. JOE REED, WR >> It’s tough seeing the Chargers giving up on Reed after one year, but he hasn’t stood out in practices and hasn’t been available in more than a week.
20. KJ SAILS, CB >> Sails was a late addition to training camp, but he has stood out as a kick and punt returner.
21. EASTON STICK, QB >> Stick has helped himself with two strong preseason performances. He’s pushing the Chargers to seriously consider keeping three quarterbacks. 22. TRISTAN VIZCAINO, K
>> Vizcaino has been the most consistent kicker throughout camp and his leg strength advantage over Badgley should help him win the job next week.