Official 2026 Chargers Roster Discussion | Roster Build | 2nd Wave Of Free Agency

[Riverwalk]

This right here is my optimism point for this week versus New England. I think the boys did Ok versus Denver minus Deculas. I don't think he sees the field versus New England. If they can patchwork and scheme enough coverage for Herbert and our RB's, then I think we can pull out a win. That and the fact that our D, minus a bunch of guys, held the Denver "playoff mode" offense to 4 field goals? Yeah I'm optimistic as hell going into Sunday.

Oh.....and I forgot to post this, but props to Trey for those 2 TD throws that were called back. Both were absolute dimes and it's a shame neither ended up counting. And that toe drag catch???? WUUUUFFFFF.......that would have made the season highlight reel.

Denver offense sucks compared to Patriots offense.

Maye is 1000 times more accurate than Nix. If Nix couldn’t run, he wouldn’t last a year in the,league.

[Boltnut]

Sounds like he likes it in LA and the feeling is mutual…unless someone blows him away with an offer I think he’s going to return and play guard for us…

curious to know what you thought of Branson…I think he’s got a future, needs experience but moves really well for 6’6” 330 and he’s no Trey Pipkins, he looks strong and not overwhelmed by the power in the inside…he’s just a stronger player than Trey…

I think he'll be back on the practice squad. He's still developing... there were good plays and bad plays. It was nice to see where he was. I think Ben Cleveland will be moved to the active roster during the playoffs... and Branson will be moved back to PS again soon. I think they want a player with experience during the playoffs.

[Boltnut]

This right here is my optimism point for this week versus New England. I think the boys did Ok versus Denver minus Deculas. I don't think he sees the field versus New England. If they can patchwork and scheme enough coverage for Herbert and our RB's, then I think we can pull out a win. That and the fact that our D, minus a bunch of guys, held the Denver "playoff mode" offense to 4 field goals? Yeah I'm optimistic as hell going into Sunday.

Oh.....and I forgot to post this, but props to Trey for those 2 TD throws that were called back. Both were absolute dimes and it's a shame neither ended up counting. And that toe drag catch???? WUUUUFFFFF.......that would have made the season highlight reel.

Yes. We didn't get to see much of Tre Harris this year... a loaded WR corps. I think he played well enough to earn the coaches respect (especially run blocking). I'd love to see Keenan back... but Tre might have shown enough to give the Chargers wiggle room at WR during off-season roster building.

[OG619FrightninLightnin]

Listened to a little of the Podcast with Money Smith - Believ -- from Sunday Night
and he actually mentioned Joe Alt as he was asked if Alt could come back

He said he doesn't think it will happen - needs more recovery - but so odd he would mention Alt as we all thought he was done for the year

Chargers do have two more IR return designations - I doubt anything comes of it. It would be a bonus for sure to have big old 76 back at LT

As for Penning and James -- if they are better, play them.

He was asked about it

[Boltnut]

I think i would be, though id like it to happen. Id play James as well over Bozeman. If they want to win i think they need to make those adjustments. Get Ben Cleveland ready as well. I dont have much confidence in Penning til i see consistantcy.

IMO, Penning showed enough to displace Becton. Becton has been consistently bad at RG this year.
Bozeman is still a better run blocker than James. For this offense to work, they have to get the running game going.
Ben Cleveland is a good run blocker. Having said that, he'll probably be activated during the playoffs and come off of the bench if injury occurs... or if the other OG's are not performing in the run game.

[Fouts2herbert]

I think he'll be back on the practice squad. He's still developing... there were good plays and bad plays. It was nice to see where he was. I think Ben Cleveland will be moved to the active roster during the playoffs... and Branson will be moved back to PS again soon. I think they want a player with experience during the playoffs.

Can players still get poached off the practice squad during the playoffs? I would think the NFL would not permit it at this point in the season

[jamrock]

Sounds like our OG position is set for next year with Penning and Ben Cleveland and resigning Zion. Only need a Center now.

[Boltnut]

Can players still get poached off the practice squad during the playoffs? I would think the NFL would not permit it at this point in the season

I'm not sure... but it would seem unfair. Teams poaching players to get intel about an opponent's scheme and/or play-calling.

[Boltnut]

Sounds like our OG position is set for next year with Penning and Ben Cleveland and resigning Zion. Only need a Center now.

Penning and Cleveland might be competing for a back-up position at OG... maybe we carry 4 into next season. But I would still try to get better at the OG position during the off-season via free agency or draft.

[Fouts2herbert]

IMO, Penning showed enough to displace Becton. Becton has been consistently bad at RG this year.
Bozeman is still a better run blocker than James. For this offense to work, they have to get the running game going.
Ben Cleveland is a good run blocker. Having said that, he'll probably be activated during the playoffs and come off of the bench if injury occurs... or if the other OG's are not performing in the run game.

I agree with this…sit Becton, he’s been terrible, worse and worse as the season went on…

[dmac_bolt]

I wouldn't be surprised if Penning took over for Becton vs the Patriots.

I wouldn't either, the coaches have shown they have soured on Becton. Even when he has played (poorly), he's been in and out all game long.

I WOULD be surprised if they sub'd James in for Bozeman though. I'm not agreeing, I'd rather see James. I'm just guessing their predisposition.

[Fouts2herbert]

Sounds like our OG position is set for next year with Penning and Ben Cleveland and resigning Zion. Only need a Center now.

Penning has the tools to be a really good guard, park him next to Alt and Joe will get him right…

Slater—Zion—top center in draft—Penning—Alt sounds fantastic…the way Harbaugh keeps dropping Zions name in pressers leads me to believe that he wants Zion on his team…