Chargers Depth Chart: 3 Bold Takeaways, 1 Burning Question
Los Angeles Chargers Preseason Depth Chart: What We Learned Before Facing the 49ers
The Los Angeles Chargers are getting ready to play the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2 of the NFL preseason this Thursday. Before the game, the team released an updated depth chart—a list showing who’s starting and who’s backing up at every position.
Think of a depth chart like a team roster ladder. The higher your name, the more likely you are to play. But in the preseason, these lists can be a little old-school and misleading. Coaches often use them to send messages, hide plans, or simply because the NFL requires them.
Here’s the simple breakdown of what matters from the latest release.
Quick Cheat Sheet: The Basics
| Category | What the Chart Says |
|---|---|
| Offense Style | "21 Personnel" = 1 Running Back, 1 Fullback, 1 Tight End, 2 Wide Receivers |
| Defense Style | "3-4" = 3 Defensive Linemen, 4 Linebackers |
| Game | vs. San Francisco 49ers (Preseason Week 2) |
| Context | Comes after joint practices between the two teams |
IMPORTANT REMINDER
Depth charts are written in pencil, not ink. Coaches change them weekly—sometimes daily. The real depth chart is decided on the field during games and practices.
The Biggest Storylines
1. The Backup Quarterback Mystery: Trey Lance vs. DJ Uiagalelei
The Chargers are being very sneaky here. Most teams list backups as "1, 2, 3." The Chargers wrote "Trey Lance AND DJ Uiagalelei." That tiny word "and" means they’re refusing to say who’s #2 and who’s #3.
What happened in Game 1:
- Trey Lance struggled when starter Justin Herbert sat out.
- DJ Uiagalelei came in, looked smooth, and threw an easy touchdown.
Why it matters:
- New Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel (a creative play-caller) just arrived.
- The team will likely keep only TWO quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster.
- Uiagalelei has two more preseason games to prove he fits McDaniel’s system better and steal the backup job.
ELI5 EXPLANATION
Imagine two kids trying out for the understudy role in a school play. The teacher lists both names with "and" so nobody knows who the real understudy is. One kid forgot lines last rehearsal; the other nailed it. The new director (McDaniel) might prefer the second kid’s style. The final decision comes after two more rehearsals.
2. Running Back: The "OR" Battle Behind the Star
Omarion Hampton (Rookie, 1st Round Pick) is RB1. No debate.
But behind him? It’s Keaton Mitchell OR Kimani Vidal.
| Player | Background | Why They’re Here |
|---|---|---|
| Keaton Mitchell | Signed in free agency | McDaniel’s guy—he played for McDaniel in Baltimore. Fast, explosive. |
| Kimani Vidal | 2024 late-round pick | Breakout last year—played every down (run, catch, block) when needed. Earned trust. |
| Amar Johnson | Undrafted / Camp standout | Having an amazing summer, but not in the top 3 yet. Could climb. |
The vibe: It’s a friendly fight. Mitchell brings the new coach’s preferred style; Vidal proved he can do it all last year. Johnson is knocking on the door.
3. Offensive Line: The Musical Chairs at Left Guard & Center
This is the messiest spot on the chart.
Left Guard Starter: Kayode Awosika OR Branson Taylor OR Jake Slaughter (Rookie)
- Awosika: Free agent signing, early camp leader.
- Taylor: Practice squad player last year, surged the most in camp.
- Slaughter: Rookie, looked like he was winning the job… but still listed as backup.
The Twist: Starting Center Tyler Biadasz got seriously injured. Slaughter is now the starting Center (he practiced both spots).
KEY TAKEAWAY
Slaughter’s versatility (Guard + Center) makes him super valuable. Even if he doesn’t start at Guard, he’s the #1 Center right now. The preseason game Thursday will tell us a lot.
4. Tight End: The "Good Problem" Logjam
The chart lists: Charlie Kolar OR Oronde Gadsden II OR David Njoku.
| Player | Profile |
|---|---|
| Oronde Gadsden II | Last year’s rising star (rookie). Many thought he’d be the clear #1. |
| Charlie Kolar | Veteran free agent. Known as a blocker, but Chargers hope McDaniel unlocks his receiving. |
| David Njoku | Veteran free agent (ex-Browns). Talented but had down years in Cleveland. Fresh start with McDaniel. |
Why it’s confusing: Gadsden looked like the future. But the team added two vets who know how to play. The coaches might be protecting Gadsden (not overplaying him in preseason) while evaluating the vets.
Bottom line: Someone has to start Week 1. We just don’t know who yet—and the preseason game might not clear it up.
Summary: What Actually Matters Right Now
- QB2 is wide open. Uiagalelei outplayed Lance in Game 1. McDaniel’s system favors Uiagalelei’s traits. Two games left to decide.
- Hampton is the RB1. Mitchell vs. Vidal for RB2 is a style clash: McDaniel’s speed guy vs. last year’s reliable all-rounder.
- The O-Line is settling. Slaughter moving to Center is the biggest real change from the chart. Guard battle (Awosika/Taylor/Slaughter) is live.
- Tight End is deep. Three NFL-caliber players for one spot. A "champagne problem."
- Preseason games ≠ Regular Season. Coaches hide stuff. Don’t overreact to who plays Thursday—watch how they play.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What is "21 Personnel" and why does it matter?
ELI5: It’s a code for who’s on the field. 21 = 2 Running Backs (1 RB + 1 Fullback), 1 Tight End, 2 Wide Receivers. It means the Chargers want to run the ball, use play-action, and keep the defense guessing with a "heavy" look. It fits McDaniel’s history.
2. Why do teams list players with "OR" instead of ranking them?
ELI5: Three reasons: (1) Gamesmanship—don’t give opponents info. (2) Competition—genuinely undecided. (3) Leverage—keeps players hungry. The Chargers do this a lot.
3. Can a rookie like Jake Slaughter really start at Center?
ELI5: Yes! Centers need smarts more than anything. If Slaughter knows the playbook, makes the line calls, and snaps accurately, he can start Day 1. The Biadasz injury forced the issue, but he’s been prepping for it all camp.
4. Is Trey Lance definitely going to be cut?
ELI5: Not "definitely." But he’s on the bubble. If Uiagalelei plays well Thursday and next week, and the team only keeps 2 QBs, Lance is the odd man out. He could also be traded or stuck on the practice squad if he clears waivers.
5. When do final roster cuts happen?
ELI5: After the last preseason game (usually late August). Teams must go from 90 players → 53. That’s when the real depth chart is set.
Final Thought
The Chargers’ depth chart is a snapshot of a movie still being filmed. Thursday’s game against the 49ers is the next scene. Watch the backup QB reps, the left guard rotation, and who lines up at tight end on the first drive. That’s where the truth lives—not on a PDF released on a Tuesday.
Stay charged, Chargers fans. The real roster takes shape soon.