EL SEGUNDO, CALIF. -- The Los Angeles Chargers open the 2024 NFL regular season against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 8 at SoFi Stadium.
The start to the Jim Harbaugh era in Los Angeles faced a speed bump during training camp when doctors diagnosed quarterback Justin Herbert with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Herbert used a walking boot for the following two weeks before returning to practice after the team's second preseason game.
The Chargers have a new and inexperienced coterie of pass catchers and Herbert's time off could impact how quickly this team hits the ground running for its season opener.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (2): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick
Stick was formidable in four starts with the Chargers in 2023 -- after Herbert had a season-ending index finger fracture -- earning a contract with a new staff. But through training camp and the preseason games, Stick hasn't looked as comfortable, struggling to hit open receivers and make any progress on offense. Still, Harbaugh has said at least publicly that he's been happy with Stick.
RUNNING BACK (4): J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Jaret Patterson, Kimani Vidal
Patterson was the surprise of this training camp. His runs often drew the praise of Harbaugh, who would run out and give Patterson a high-five or a pat on the back each time he made a play. Patterson was on the Chargers' practice squad last season but appears to have impressed the new staff enough to earn a roster spot.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Joshua Palmer, DJ Chark Jr., Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis, Ladd McConkey, Simi Fehoko
Brenden Rice and Fehoko appeared to be in competition for the sixth receiver spot throughout camp. Both have performed well but Fehoko excelled in the preseason games, catching seven passes for 170 yards. The Chargers sat Fehoko after a TD in the final preseason game -- a sign that his spot was solidified. This scenario would mean the Chargers would release both seventh-round picks in WRs Rice and Cornelius Johnson.
TIGHT END (3): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Stone Smartt
Hurst and Dissly are the type of physical, willing-to-block tight ends that the Chargers have long needed and that Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman covet. Hurst is also effective in the passing game, catching many targets through training camp. Smartt possesses some of the same traits as Dissly and Hurst, and his contribution to special teams could earn him the third spot.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): Joe Alt, Trey Pipkins III, Rashawn Slater, Bradley Bozeman, Zion Johnson, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Brenden Jaimes, Foster Sarell
This unit will define the Chargers' season. For this offense to work well, the Chargers will want to run the ball effectively, which they have struggled to do for all of Herbert's career. McFadden gives the Chargers significant versatility and serves as the team's fullback, often lining up at that spot throughout the offseason, and he has even had a few passes thrown his way.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Morgan Fox, Poona Ford, Scott Matlock, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe, Teair Tart
Perhaps the most forgotten group on this defense, the Chargers' interior defensive line will be led by Fox and Ford, experienced veterans who have been effective in stopping the run and securing sacks. The Chargers have used Matlock on offense and in special teams; he will have an elevated defensive role from last year but will also contribute elsewhere like McFadden.
LINEBACKER (10): Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Junior Colson, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Bud Dupree, Tuli Tuipulotu, Troy Dye, Tre'Mon Morris-Brash
This team's deepest position is outside linebacker, with Mack and Bosa leading the way. Morris-Brash, an undrafted rookie from the University of Central Florida, has impressed the staff throughout the offseason and had three quarterback pressures over the first two preseason games. Henley, a third-round pick in last year's draft, is expected to be the starter next to the veteran Perryman.
CORNERBACK (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja'Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart
Fulton has been one of the team's defensive stars throughout training camp, with consistent blanket coverage and multiple interceptions. L.A. will need him, as this group allowed the second most passing yards in the NFL last season (4,580). JT Woods and Matt Hankins would be among the first cuts in this scenario, Woods moved from safety to CB late in camp, and Hankins has been a consistent disruptor.
SAFETY (4): Derwin James Jr., Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, Tony Jefferson
The third safety is vital in the Chargers defense because of James' flexibility. He could sometimes play edge rusher or slot, meaning that the player behind him would play a significant role. Finley appears to have comfortably won that spot. Still, Jefferson's performance in the Chargers final preseason which included one sack, two interceptions and a forced fumble might have earned him a spot.
SPECIALISTS (3): Cameron Dicker (K), JK Scott (P), Josh Harris (LS)
This is the easiest position group to call for the Chargers, with no competition for the spots. Dicker has continued to be consistent, making four field goals this preseason, including a 58-yarder against the Seahawks that would be the longest of his NFL career.