The Bolts initial 53-man roster for 2024 has been set under Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.
There are 25 players on offense, 25 on defense and three specialists among the 53 players. All NFL teams had to get their rosters to 53 players by 1 p.m. (PT) on Tuesday.
It is worth noting that this initial roster could change, but here's a position-by-position look at who made the initial 53.
Note: all players listed alphabetically by last name.
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks (2)
On the Roster: Justin Herbert and Easton Stick
The Chargers are Herbert's team and will always be as long as No. 10 is on the roster. While Herbert missed two-plus weeks of practice in camp with a right foot issue, he returned and was simply spectacular last week in practice. He remains one of the most talented and gifted quarterbacks in the league, and it will be fascinating to see how Harbaugh can help take him to another level. Much has been placed on Herbert in recent seasons, but the Bolts hope a revived running game and stout offensive line means the 26-year-old is in line for his best season yet. Stick endured an up-and-down training camp and preseason but finds himself on the initial 53-man roster.
Running backs (4)
On the Roster: J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Jaret Patterson and Kimani Vidal
This group underwent a makeover this offseason but is expected to be a focal point of the team's offensive mentality in 2024. Edwards and Dobbins were previously together in Baltimore with Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman. They are different types of backs but will both be counted upon to boost a run game that has been stagnant of late. Patterson and Vidal both flashed in camp and in preseason games. Vidal was a 2024 sixth-round pick out of Troy.
Wide receivers (7)
On the Roster: DJ Chark, Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko, Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, Joshua Palmer and Brenden Rice
All eyes will be on this group in 2024 to see if they can help elevate the offense. Palmer returns for his fourth season and has an established connection with Herbert. Chark, a Pro Bowler in 2019, offers a veteran presence and looked solid in camp. Johnston, a first-round pick a year ago, looks like a much-improved player and was among Herbert's favorite targets in the latter part of camp. Keep an eye on McConkey when it's third down this season, as he provides quickness and smooth route running that could help the offense move the chains through the air. Davis is an elite returner but could provide juice in certain situations on offense (see his 70-yard score in the preseason finale). Fehoko had a strong preseason as he was second among all NFL players with 170 receiving yards. He also provides value on special teams, too. Rice, a 2024 seventh-round pick, has flashed potential with Herbert in practice.
Tight ends (3)
On the Roster: Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst and Stone Smartt
The Bolts have just three tight ends on their initial 53-man roster but ask a lot from this group. Dissly was added as a free agent this offseason and is regarded as one the NFL's top blocking tight ends, an aspect that has been sorely missed in the run game in recent years. Hurst, another free-agent addition, offers value in the passing game and can help in the run game, too. Smartt has improved as a blocker in recent years and is only on his third season on playing the position.
Offensive line (9)
On the Roster: Joe Alt, Bradley Bozeman, Brenden Jaimes, Zion Johnson, Jordan McFadden, Trey Pipkins III, Foster Sarell, Jamaree Salyer and Rashawn Slater
The starting group of — from left to right — Slater, Johnson, Bozeman, Pipkins and Alt separated themselves in the spring and have the potential to be a strong group. Slater is among the game's best left tackles while Johnson is an ascending player on the interior. Bozeman is a veteran who has already developed a strong rapport with Herbert. Pipkins has made the transition to right guard after playing right tackle in recent seasons. Alt, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, stepped into the starting right tackle spot from Day 1. He's had his share of rookie moments but appears to have everything needed to be a standout tackle in the league.
Salyer offers immense value as a depth piece and could likely play any spot along the line if needed. Look for McFadden to be used all over the offense as a blocker, even at fullback at times. Jaimes is depth player along the interior while Sarell showed his versatility by lining up at both guard and tackle in camp and the preseason.
DEFENSE
Defensive line (6)
On the Roster: Justin Eboigbe, Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Scott Matlock, Otito Ogbonnia and Teair Tart
This group features a blend of veterans and young players. Fox and Ford are the leaders of the room, even if they aren't the most vocal players on the team. Ogbonnia is a strong run defender who is looking to take another step forward in Year 3. Matlock drew praise from Harbaugh for his work ethic this offseason. Tart joined the team earlier this month but flashed in limited preseason action. He could make a difference as he grows more comfortable in the coming months. Eboigbe was a 2024 fourth-round pick out of Alabama who offers long-term upside.
Outside linebackers (4)
On the Roster: Joey Bosa, Bud Dupree, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu
Perhaps the strongest position group on the roster, the Chargers appear to be loaded at this spot. Mack — a future Hall of Famer — is coming off a 17.0-sack season and is still among the game's best run defenders, too. Bosa has battled injuries in recent seasons but looked revitalized in training camp. The duo could be among the league's best tandems if they can play all 17 games together. Dupree and Tuipulotu could start on numerous other teams and will provide incredible depth. Look for Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter to possibly use three of these players on the field together in certain packages.
Inside linebackers (4)
On the Roster: Junior Colson, Troy Dye, Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman
Keep an eye on this group as a unit that could surprise some people this season. Perryman is a 10-year veteran who is a leader on and off the field. Henley's game has grown by leaps and bounds in the past few months. He brings tons of athleticism and is in line to start next to Perryman. Colson, a 2024 third-round pick, missed the first part of camp after getting an appendectomy. But he knows the scheme inside and out and flashed when he was on the field, including in the preseason finale in Dallas. Dye will be a core special teams player as he played for Special Teams Coordinator Ryan Ficken with the Vikings. Of note, Nick Niemann was placed on Injured Reserve: Designated to Return, meaning he can return to the team after sitting out a minimum of four games.
Defensive backs (11)
On the Roster: AJ Finley, Kristian Fulton, Alohi Gilman, Cam Hart, Derwin James, Jr., Tony Jefferson, Deane Leonard, Asante Samuel, Jr., Tarheeb Still, Ja'Sir Taylor, and JT Woods
Samuel and Fulton will man the outside cornerback spots and were two of the standout players in camp. Taylor will line up as the nickel cornerback and has improved each of the past two seasons. Leonard is among the Chargers best special teams players and can player cornerback in a pinch if needed. Hart and Still are both 2024 fifth-round picks who showed flashes in recent months but will likely be asked to chip in on special teams are rookies.
The James-Gilman tandem returns for another season as Harbaugh said this offseason that the Bolts have one of the best safety duos in the league. Finley clearly won the third safety spot with a strong offseason and training camp. He will be counted upon heavily when James moves around on the field. Jefferson was stellar in the Bolts preseason finale and provides veteran leadership and experience. Woods lined up at both safety and cornerback in camp and that versatility could help him provide excellent depth in multiple spots on defense.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Specialists (3)
On the Roster: Cameron Dicker, Josh Harris and JK Scott
This trio returns from a season ago and is widely regarded as one of the best specialist units across the league. Dicker made 31 of 33 field goals a season ago and was on the money in training camp and the preseason. Scott offers a valuable weapon with his hangtime on punts that helps pin opponents deep and limit chances at returns. Harris, the veteran of the group, was a team captain a year ago who offers leadership both on the field and in the locker room.
