Chargers’ backup plans taking shape
A day after Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said his team’s roster is never final, the team made a handful of moves.
As expected, the team resigned quarterback Kellen Clemens on Monday, using the roster spot created by linebacker Denzel Perryman’s trip to the injured-reserve list. The Chargers also claimed former USC linebacker Hayes Pullard off waivers from Jacksonville. In a corresponding move, they waived Nick Dzubnar.
The Chargers added former Northwestern linebacker Joseph Jones to their practice squad. They also signed receiver Geremy Davis and cornerback Craig Mager to the practice squad after waiving the players on Sunday.
Clemens, who has backed up starting quarterback Philip Rivers for the last three seasons, didn’t make the initial 53-man ros- ter, though the plan always was to bring him back.
Clemens and Cardale Jones, whom the Chargers traded for early in training camp, will play behind Rivers.
Perryman suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener and underwent surgery. He can return after Week 8, according to league rules.
Dzubnar and Korey Toomer battled in training camp to replace Perryman, with Toomer ultimately winning out. Pullard, who is from Inglewood, played 24 games with Jacksonville over the last two seasons for Gus Bradley, now the Chargers’ defensive coordinator.
Joseph Jones, who signed with Dallas after going undrafted, led the Cowboys with 15 total tackles and 12 solo tackles in the preseason.
The Chargers open the season Monday in Denver.