The final preseason game for the San Diego Chargers proved to be an important one. Not as far as records and stats are concerned, but for the future of players and the franchise moving forward. General Manager Tom Telesco along with the rest of the Chargers staff got one last chance to evaluate the talent before the final cuts. The Chargers sat most of their 1st team offense and defense to give the first year GM and Head Coach Mike McCoy a chance to see the depth or lack thereof, so they can make sound decisions for this season and future seasons. They got better idea of who to pursue for waivers and free agents, and who to scout for later drafts. That game was also the last chance for players on the fence to make one last big impression.
These 22 players were cut by the Chargers to reach the league mandated 53 on August 31st:
• Cornerback Cornelius Brown
• Safety Sean Cattouse
• Linebacker Phillip Dillard
• Cornerback Greg Gatson
• Linebacker Jerrell Harris
• Cornerback William Middleton
• Linebacker Daniel Molls
• Tackle Randy Richards
• Guard Steve Schilling
• Tackle Max Starks
• Wide Receiver Luke Tasker
• Tackle Nick Becton
• Linebacker Frank Beltre
• Tight End Ben Cotton
• Cornerback Marcus Cromartie
• Defensive End Logan Harrell
• Running Back Michael Hill
• Cornerback Josh Johnson
• Linebacker Thomas Keiser
• Wide Receiver Robert Meachem
• Center David Molk
• Tight End David Rolf
Unfortunately, the Chargers will take close to a 5 million dollar cap hit with the release of Robert Meachem, but his inability to be a playmaker in San Diego made clearing up roster room more valuble. Now, it isn’t a complete wave goodbye to all of those 22 players. Nick Becton, Marcus Cromartie, and Thomas Keiser were signed to the practice squad.
Among the players to make the team is the Chargers Pre-Season work horse, running back Fozzy Whittaker. The 2nd year back from the University of Texas spent his first year with the Arizona Cardinals and is once again paired with OC Ken Whisenhunt. With Ryan Matthews and Ronnie Brown playing limited snaps, along with Danny Woodhead being inactive for most of the preseason, Fozzy had his chance to shine. He carried the ball 39 times for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 4.0 yards per carry. He is currently listed as the 4th string back, but may see some snaps due to Mike McCoy’s high tempo offense with the use of multiple backs in a variety of packages.
On the defensive side, the heart and soul of the Chargers’ defense, Free Safety Eric Weddle now has a protégé. Undrafted free agent Jahleel Addae is listed as his backup. The standout defensive back from Central Michigan showed sparks of potential and freakish athleticism during preseason. He recorded 14 tackles and proved he had a nose for the football, always putting himself in a good position to make a stop. He has some accolades from college, including 1st team All-MAC and Central Michigan’s Defensive POY, where he played both the cornerback and safety positions. Addae now brings that talent and youth to a Chargers secondary that has been completely overhauled since last season.
Now this doesn’t mean the 53 man roster is a safe bet to be set in stone. All teams across the NFL have now trimmed down their squads which means there’s talent floating around across the nation. Players may still be cut to make room for a pick up on the waiver wire. Don’t be surprised if the young Chargers GM makes some noise before the Nationally Televised Monday Night Game against the Houston Texans on September 9th.
