LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Chargers open the 2026 NFL regular season against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 13 at SoFi Stadium. But first, they play one more preseason game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams and then must cut their roster to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on Sunday.
Who will make the team? Which positions have tough decisions on deck? And where might the lineup be deepest and thinnest this season?
Coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz have difficult decisions to make across the board, particularly at positions including outside linebacker, safety and offensive line. Outside linebacker Nadame Tucker and cornerbacks Rodney Shelley and Avery Smith are three undrafted players who have had standout performances in camp and will make decisions difficult on cut down day.
Here is our projection for the 53-man roster for the Bolts.
Quarterbacks (2)
DJ Uiagalelei was an improved player throughout the offseason, pushing Lance for this backup job. Ultimately, Lance's mobility gives him the edge over Uiagalelei, whom the Chargers will probably want back for their practice squad.
Running backs (3)
Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal
Amar Johnson and Jaret Patterson would be neck and neck if the Chargers keep four running backs, but it seems more likely they will go with this group. All three are players new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has raved about.
Fullbacks (1)
Ingold is familiar with McDaniel's system after playing for him for four seasons in Miami and gives the Chargers versatility with an ability to also move to tight end.
Wide receivers (6)
Ladd McConkey, Tre' Harris, Quentin Johnston, Brenen Thompson, Derius Davis, KeAndre Lambert-Smith
This group may benefit the most from McDaniel, who said to expect career highs across the board. Dalevon Campbell could push for this sixth spot, but Lambert-Smith seems to have the upper hand.
Tight ends (3)
David Njoku, Oronde Gadsden, Charlie Kolar
This is one of the deepest positions on the Chargers' roster. This group has a mix of blocking and receiving prowess needed for McDaniel's offense. There has never been much of a competition here.
Offensive linemen (9)
Joe Alt, Trey Pipkins III, Rashawn Slater, Cole Strange, Jacob Spomer, Kayode Awosika, Jake Slaughter, Travis Burke, Branson Taylor
This may be the toughest roster battle. Trevor Penning, who began camp in the mix to start at left guard, misses the cut, as do the Chargers' two sixth-round rookies, Alex Harkey and Logan Taylor. With Tyler Biadasz suffering a season-ending ACL injury in his left knee undrafted rookie center Jacob Spomer makes the team.
Defensive linemen (5)
Teair Tart, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Nick Barrett, Dalvin Tomlinson
TeRah Edwards would be the next man up in this scenario, but five make the roster in this case. This is a group that should have increased pass-rush opportunities under new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary.
Linebackers (10)
Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley, Troy Dye, Del'Shawn Phillips, Marlowe Wax, Khalil Mack, Bud Dupree, Tuli Tuipulotu, Akheem Mesidor, Kyle Kennard
Another one of the toughest battles here. Former third-round pick Junior Colson, Kennard and Nadame Tucker are all in the mix for the final spot. Here Kennard gets that last spot. He's a 2025 fourth-round pick whom the Chargers hope will reach his potential.
Cornerbacks (6)
Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, Deane Leonard, Nikko Reed, Avery Smith
Smith has stood out since training camp began, earning the final roster spot in this projection. The battle will likely come down to Smith, Eric Rogers (one of last year's camp stars) and undrafted free agent Rodney Shelley.
Safeties (5)
Derwin James Jr., Elijah Molden, RJ Mickens, Genesis Smith, Tony Jefferson
Another tough roster crunch here. In this scenario, Kendall Williamson, who was on the 53-man roster all of last season, misses the cut. The fourth-round rookie Smith takes his place.
Special teams (3)
Cameron Dicker (K), JK Scott (P), Josh Harris (LS)
No battles here. The Chargers run it back with a group they've had since 2022.