Former Raiders lineman cannot find career resurgence with Chargers so far

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has taken several swings at signing low-risk reclamation projects to build out the depth of this roster. Some appear to have paid off, including corner Kristian Fulton, running back JK Dobbins, and even recently-signed nose tackle Teair Tart. One move that has not panned out like the team hoped: Adding former Raiders first-round selection Alex Leatherwood.

His preseason debut was atrocious , posting the worst pass-blocking efficiency (PBE) rating of the preseason and the third-worst pass-blocking grade. Leatherwood was working with the third team during the week, suggesting he was losing ground in the swing tackle battle to Foster Sarell.

The second preseason game was not a much better showing.

Leatherwood's game grade increased to 70.4, but he did allow two pressures and one sack on 24 pass-blocking snaps to bring his PBE to 92.9 on the day. For the entire preseason, his PBE of 89.0 is the worst of any offensive lineman with at least 75 pass-blocking snaps.

Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh taking a flier on a talented former first-round pick to fill out the depth of the roster is exactly what Chargers fans want to see. These moves have little-to-no risk and have a built-in assumption that not all will work out. At this point, the Chargers can safely part ways with Leatherwood once roster cuts happen. The question is whether they bring him back to the practice squad or look elsewhere for a veteran cut they could add to either the practice squad or 53-man roster.