COSTA MESA, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Chargers open the 2022 NFL regular season against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 11 at SoFi Stadium.
The Chargers boast enough star power worthy of Hollywood, but the question remains whether the big names can come together to earn a playoff berth for the first time since 2018.
Coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance, quarterback Justin Herbert enters his third season with a cast of return playmakers, including receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and running back Austin Ekeler.
On defense, the Chargers made several bold offseason moves to upgrade personnel following a lackluster 2021 season. All-Pro outside linebacker Khalil Mack (acquired via a trade with the Chicago Bears), cornerback J.C. Jackson (signed to a five-year, $82.5 million contract) and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day join edge rusher Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James Jr.
The roster will be cut to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Here is a projection:
QUARTERBACK (3): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick
Keeping three quarterbacks seems unnecessary, but the Chargers have provided little hint that they're OK with only two, perhaps fearing whoever doesn't make the roster will be picked up elsewhere, leaving them with few options if anything happened to Herbert. "I know that we really like having all three," coach Brandon Staley said during training camp. "Very pleased with how Easton and Chase have played."
