San Diego Chargers Cut-Downs, Day 1
By NFL rules, the cut-downs come in two parts and on two days. The first of those days is tomorrow, when the Chargers have to reduce their roster size to 75. The cut down to 53 players will happen after the 49ers game on Friday. I kept that in mind when trying to decide who has a chance of going in these first cuts, knowing that certain positions will need bodies for the SF game either due to injury (Defensive Line) or to avoid injury (Offensive Line, Tight End).
By my count, the Chargers have 81 players listed on their active roster. If you remove Ben Muth and Wopamo Osaisai, both of whom were released already, you're down to 79. Although Demetrius Byrd is listed, the moment he's signed he'll go straight to IR so he really shouldn't count against the numbers. Now we're at 78.
What I think the Chargers will do is get rid of players from deep positions. Guys that have had a hard time getting on the field even in the preseason. Here's a list of some of the likeliest candidates to be looking for work tomorrow:
- Truman Spencer - Good job, kid. You saves Scifres' leg in training camp and showed yourself to be worthy of an NFL job in the process. He'll be let go tomorrow because the team no longer has a need for him and also so that he can grab a job with another team before the start of the season.
- Ryan McDonald - Not to sound like a jerk, but I feel like I have a better understanding of the Chargers roster than most people. Even I'm left saying "Who?" when McDonald's name comes up. A 3rd string Center is a strong candidate for the first cuts.
- Billy Latsko - I think the team really likes Billy, but he's not a better FB than Mike Tolbert and even Tolbert is on the bubble. Having him on the team against SF gives the Bolts unnecessary depth.
- Kestahn Moore - Same as Latsko's situation. Moore sits behind LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, Michael Bennett and Gartrell Johnson. I think whether or not Sproles wants to get a handful of carries against the 49ers will determine whether the team keeps Moore around for that game.
- Charles Davis - He lost out on the 4th TE spot to Kory Sperry. I think the team tries hard to keep Sperry on the practice squad (and he might get some reps against SF with Gates sitting most of the game), but there's no need to keep Davis around another week.
Do you have any thoughts about Bolts From The Blue? Would you like to contribute to this week's mailbag? Whenever you have something to say, don't hesitate to e-mail me directly.
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Comments
this cut down will be a lot less interesting than I thought
I guess I just never did the math. Looks like we need to jettison 4-6 players tonight, and we probably won’t have seen any of them in a preseason game.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Aug 31, 2009 8:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yup
Somewhere around 10-12 players will need to be cut the day after the 49ers game, so that should be much more interesting. Right now I think they’ll keep anyone that’s “on the bubble” to give them a look against SF.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John (obviousman) on Aug 31, 2009 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"On the bubble" guys
They need those guys anyway to eat up minutes. You usually keep the starters’ playing time to a minimum for the last preseason game.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
by Wonko on Aug 31, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if
LT will get any carries against SF. We might see a version of the wildcat just to show other teams we are capable of using it.
by irishlad on Aug 31, 2009 9:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Doubt it
I think Rivers, Gates and Vincent Jackson get one series before being pulled. I think LT and Jamal Williams sit.
"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock
by John (obviousman) on Aug 31, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Rivers or Gates will play at all.
They didn’t last year.
Greg Maddux for manager.
by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 31, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

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