Chargers Roster Bubble: 4 Veterans at Risk of Being Cut

No one likes it, but every year the Los Angeles Chargers have to make hard decisions when getting down to the most essential 53 players from the 90 they rostered throughout the preseason.

After two preseason games, it is becoming more clear who will make the team and who will be cut come August 27th.

Chargers On The Roster Bubble

Isaiah Spiller , RB

The Chargers hoped that Isaiah Spiller would be the thunder to Austin Ekeler ‘s lightning. The 6’1″ 215 lbs hasn’t been able to translate his people-moving ability in the NFL .

While running backs Jaret Patterson and rookie Kimani Vidal have popped in the preseason, Spiller has struggled, posting a paltry 1.7 yards per carry in the first two games.

Donald Parham , Jr., TE

Jim Harbaugh added two tight ends to the room this offseason, making it an uphill battle for Donald Parham. This offense values inline blocking ends almost as much as offensive linemen. Nothing makes this point finer than the fact that the Chargers played defensive lineman, Scott Matlock at the position on a goal-line rushing attempt.

Parham wasn’t drafted to play in Harbaugh’s offense and with the additions and the assent of Stone Smartt , Parham will find himself the odd man out.

Alex Leatherwood , OT

It is unclear if the Chargers brought on Alex Leatherwood this offseason because they saw something they liked in his game or if they needed more bodies to get through camp, but regardless he won’t make it past cut-down day.

Of the 22 pressures allowed by Chargers offensive linemen, he has allowed 36 percent. No other player is responsible for more than 14 percent.

Nick Niemann , ILB

This may be one of the hardest decisions the Chargers will have to make. Currently, the linebacker room is stocked to the gills with talent, young and old. At a certain point, it becomes a numbers game. Can the Chargers afford to keep more than four LBs on the roster?

It is assumed that Denzel Perryman , Daiyan Henley , and Junior Colson will make the final cut, leaving one spot for six players. This means Nick Niemann will be competing directly with Troy Dye for that role.

After having an incredible game in Week 1, Niemann was injured during practice and did not play in Week 2 of the preseason.

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