SAN DIEGO -- Here’s a player-by-player look at the San Diego Chargers’ 53-man roster:
QUARTERBACK (2): Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens
Comment: Probably San Diego’s most stable position. Rivers has not missed a start in a decade, and Clemens is the backup for a third year in a row. Bringing back Mike Bercovici as the No. 3 quarterback on the practice squad makes some sense.
RUNNING BACK (5): Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead, Derek Watt, Kenneth Farrow, Andre Williams.
Comment: The loss of Branden Oliver (Achilles) for the season hurts the depth of this position group, but the addition of Williams through waivers provides some experience. Bringing back Chris Swain on the practice squad makes sense because of his ability to play fullback, tailback and special teams.
TIGHT END (3): Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, Sean McGrath
Comment: Gates and Henry make a dynamic tandem in two tight-end sets in passing situations, and McGrath has been a positive as a blocker on running downs.
WIDE RECEIVER (5): Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman, Isaiah Burse
Comment: Burse sticks because of his ability in the return game and as a slot receiver. Washington State product Dom Williams gives San Diego a developmental prospect on the practice squad.
OFFENSIVE LINE (10): King Dunlap, Orlando Franklin, Matt Slauson, D.J. Fluker, Joe Barksdale, Kenny Wiggins, Chris Hairston, Spencer Pulley, Max Tuerk, Tyreek Burwell
Comment: The Chargers kept some depth here due to nagging injuries to Fluker and Franklin, so there could be some movement at this position early in the year.
DEFENSIVE LINE (6): Corey Liuget, Brandon Mebane, Darius Philon, Tenny Palepoi, Ryan Carrethers, Caraun Reid
Comment: Rookie Joey Bosa has to be added from the exempt list to the 53-man roster at some point. Chargers could use more versatility at this position group. Not having Damion Square (suspended list) available hurts this group.
LINEBACKERS (9): Melvin Ingram, Kyle Emanuel, Manti Te’o, Denzel Perryman, Jeremiah Attaochu, Tourek Williams, Nick Dzubnar, Denzel Perryman, Joshua Perry, Jatavis Brown
Comment: Chargers could use more depth at edge rusher, but overall talent at all four linebacker spots has improved over Mike McCoy’s tenure.
SAFETIES (5): Dwight Lowery, Jahleel Addae, Darrell Stuckey, Adrian Phillips, Dexter McCoil
Comment: With Eric Weddle gone, the Chargers need someone from this group to step up as a leader and make plays on the field. Addae is an early candidate for that role.
CORNERBACKS (5): Jason Verrett, Brandon Flowers, Casey Hayward, Craig Mager, Pierre Desir
Comment: With Hayward, Mager and Desir all 5-foot-11 or taller, the Chargers have bigger bodies than previous teams at the cornerback position.
SPECIALISTS (3): Josh Lambo, Mike Windt, Drew Kaser
Comment: Kaser proved his worth by playing solid during preseason play. The Chargers appear to have their kicker and punter for the next decade.
