Sports
Joshua Kelley working up depth chart: Where Chargers’ 53-man roster stands
Like all NFL groups, the Chargers are dealing with a Tuesday deadline for slicing their roster from 90 gamers to 85.
The subsequent trim — from 85 to 80 — is due Aug. 23. Every week after that, groups should attain the 53-man restrict.
Now, barely lower than one month from the Chargers’ opening towards Las Vegas on Sept. 11, let’s undertaking the place the 53-man roster might find yourself, maintaining in thoughts that NFL rosters are fluid and can change all through the season:
Quarterbacks: Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick
The Chargers have one of many league’s finest in Herbert, who’s getting into his third 12 months after possibly one of the best two-season begin in NFL historical past. No participant has thrown for extra yards or touchdowns by means of his first two years within the league.
Daniel was re-signed in March to stay as Herbert’s backup. Now 35, he’s going into his thirteenth season.
In speaking to his teammates, Stick must be probably the most well-liked third-string quarterbacks within the league. Everybody across the Chargers raves about his intelligence and what he brings to the staff.
Stick was energetic for just one recreation final season and didn’t play. He and Daniel are engaged in what seems to be a extra authentic competitors to be No. 2 to open this season.
Working backs: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Rountree III
The true questions listed below are who will start the season as Ekeler’s main backup and may he maintain the job for the entire season.
Kelley appears stronger and extra explosive getting into his third 12 months and began the Chargers’ preseason opener Saturday evening. He additionally has talked about being extra dedicated to excelling on particular groups.
A fourth-round draft alternative within the spring, Spiller is the main candidate of the three amongst Chargers followers. There’s a real swell of help for the rookie out of Texas A&M.
Fullbacks: Zander Horvath
A rookie, Horvath is battling Gabe Nabers for this spot. Nabers was energetic for 10 video games final season, enjoying largely particular groups. He was on the sphere for less than 46 offensive snaps.
Horvath appears to be the extra versatile of the 2, having performed tailback at Purdue.
Within the preseason opener, Horvath performed 10 particular groups snaps and Nabers 9. Particular groups capacity very effectively may very well be what decides this competitors.
Chargers extensive receiver Joshua Palmer can’t haul in a cross through the first half of Saturday’s recreation.
(Mark J. Terrill / Related Press)
Extensive receivers: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, Jalen Guyton, DeAndre Carter
Many observers are projecting a breakout 2022 season for Palmer, who completed his rookie 12 months sturdy. He was focused by Herbert a season-high 9 occasions within the dramatic finale at Las Vegas.
Carter was signed to be the staff’s kick returner but additionally has been used lots on offense throughout coaching camp, each catching passes and taking handoffs on jet sweeps.
Michael Bandy and Joe Reed starred within the Chargers’ preseason opener, and coach Brandon Staley raved about each. Neither, nonetheless, has a transparent path to a roster spot at this level.
Tight ends: Gerald Everett, Donald Parham Jr., Tre’ McKitty
These three are clearly atop the depth chart. Proper now, although, Parham and McKitty are coping with accidents, with Parham showing to be farther from returning.
If Parham is unable to start out the season, Hunter Kampmoyer is subsequent in line. A former teammate of Herbert’s at Oregon, Kampmoyer made his NFL debut final season, enjoying three snaps towards Denver in Week 17.
Earlier than the exhibition Saturday, Nabers warmed up with the tight ends due to the damage absences on the place.
Offensive linemen: Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins III, Storm Norton, Will Clapp, Jamaree Salyer, Brenden Jaimes
The precise sort out battle between Pipkins and Norton is the truest for a beginning spot on this camp. The expectation as of at this time is that Pipkins will win the job, leaving Norton because the swing sort out.
The Chargers have another 12 months invested in Pipkins and used a third-round choose on him in 2019. Norton was signed as a free agent in 2020 after spending time within the XFL.
Salyer, a rookie out of Georgia, has been enjoying extensively with the second staff, forward of Jaimes, who was a fifth-round choose in 2021.
Taken within the sixth spherical, Salyer possesses versatility, having began at three completely different spots alongside the offensive entrance for the Bulldogs. He additionally benefited from working towards day by day towards a few of the most interesting defensive gamers in school soccer.
Defensive linemen: Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Jerry Tillery, Morgan Fox, Christian Covington, Otito Ogbonnia
After not showing within the 2021 preseason, Tillery began the sport Saturday and performed 12 snaps, suggesting that his standing is extra doubtful this summer time.
Following final season, Staley talked about Tillery nonetheless discovering his method within the NFL after he characterised Tillery as being extra of a longtime participant a 12 months earlier.
Although it appears extra probably that he’ll make the ultimate roster, Tillery not surviving the lower to 53 stays a chance. That will permit the Chargers to maintain Breiden Fehoko with out exposing him to waivers.
Joe Gaziano is one other participant the Chargers probably should threat dropping in the event that they try to put him on the apply squad.
Edge rushers: Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Chris Rumph II, Kyle Van Noy
Due to accidents at linebacker, Van Noy has been enjoying inside virtually completely since coaching camp opened. The Chargers finally determine to line up the veteran on the sting, too.
Rumph was one of many gamers Staley highlighted Saturday after he had a sack and a second sort out for loss towards the Rams. He appears to have cemented a spot within the Chargers’ edge rotation.
Emeke Egbule is dealing with one other battle to make an affect, which has been his actuality for the reason that Chargers drafted him within the sixth spherical in 2019. A 12 months in the past, he was activated from the apply squad 3 times.
Linebackers: Drue Tranquill, Troy Reeder, Amen Ogbongbemiga, Nick Niemann
Kenneth Murray Jr. nonetheless seems to be a methods from getting back from offseason ankle surgical procedure. The expectation is that he gained’t be prepared for the beginning of the common season.
Tranquill, Ogbongbemiga and Niemann even have been coping with accidents of late, though all three look to be near returning. Tranquill has been solid-plus when wholesome, and Ogbongbemiga and Niemann have proven potential.
All 4 of those inside linebackers have performed particular groups up to now and sure will proceed to take action. In Staley’s system, it is a place that begs for versatility and a capability to play within the kicking recreation.
Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. follows a play towards the Denver Broncos in January.
(Kyusung Gong / Related Press)
Cornerbacks: J.C. Jackson, Asante Samuel Jr., Bryce Callahan, Michael Davis, Ja’Sir Taylor, Kemon Corridor, Deane Leonard
The Chargers bolstered their secondary in a big method within the offseason, signing veterans Jackson and Callahan and drafting Taylor and Leonard. Staley usually has expressed his love of stockpiling defensive backs.
Having extra proficient gamers means further choices in devising numerous defensive packages and likewise boosts the expertise and depth on particular groups, one thing the Chargers even have dedicated to beneath Staley.
Samuel and Davis have been sharing time of late on the surface reverse Jackson, a 2021 Professional Bowl participant with New England. Davis additionally has been enjoying nearer to the road of scrimmage in sure passing conditions.
Safeties: Derwin James Jr., Nasir Adderley, Alohi Gilman, JT Woods
The one actual lingering off-field problem for the Chargers is James’ hold-in, the staff’s defensive quarterback awaiting a contract extension earlier than working towards. James has been current all camp and, by each account, is in any other case able to go.
Woods, a rookie chosen within the third spherical out of Baylor, has had some rising pains in his transition to the NFL. Staley talked Saturday about Woods persevering with to have to enhance as a tackler.
Adderley is among the many gamers Staley has praised essentially the most for the reason that finish of final season. Coming into his fourth 12 months, Adderley nonetheless has just one profession interception in 34 video games.
Specialists: Dustin Hopkins, JK Scott, Josh Harris
The Chargers signed Harris after he made the Professional Bowl with Atlanta final season, his tenth within the NFL. He already has been recognized by a minimum of one teammate as one of many Chargers’ leaders.
Scott was signed after a 12 months wherein he punted in just one recreation, for Jacksonville. Earlier than that, he performed three seasons with Inexperienced Bay.
Hopkins spent 11 video games with the Chargers in 2021, making 18 of 20 area targets and 30 of 32 further factors.
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signed defensive tackle Desmond Watson and added him to the practice squad as the team prepares to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4.
Watson, the 464-pound rookie defensive lineman out of Florida, failed to make the 53-man roster in the preseason. He was forced to the sideline as he failed to meet the conditioning requirements to take the field. He was considered to be the heaviest player in NFL history.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Desmond Watson (56) warms up during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie Mini Camp workout on May 9, 2025 at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa, Florida. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that Watson had a “good workout” when the team brought him in last week.
The Buccaneers will look to try to find a way to stop the Eagles’ tush push, which has come under the spotlight in the last few weeks as it appeared some players had been jumping before the ball was snapped to Jalen Hurts.
Bowles said Watson wasn’t just being brought in as the answer to the tush push.
“We’ll never bring him in just to stop a tush push. If we’ve got to bring in a guy to stop one play and the tush push never comes up, you’re wasting your time,” Bowles said. “If we bring him in, we think he can play, not just for a Philadelphia thing.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Desmond Watson watches from the sideline during practice at NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
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“It’s very unlikely he’d be ready to play, once we bring him in, for Philadelphia right now anyway. It’s just a matter of us making room and seeing if we have a place for him, and then what we see for him in the future.”
The 6-foot-6 defensive tackle was working with a nutritionist during the summer. The team didn’t say what an ideal weight for him would be.
Watson spoke about his weight gain to reporters earlier this year. He said he would consistently stop off to get food while at Florida.
“Stopping while driving,” Watson said when asked about bad habits he’s tried to shed at his pro day. “My biggest thing is keep going, get to where I need to get. There are stores and a lot of temptations. That’s helped me immensely.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle Desmond Watson (56) runs a drill during the NFL football team’s rookie minicamp Friday, May 9, 2025, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
“Don’t go inside the gas station. Pay at the pump. Because inside it’s snacks and all types of things like that. Don’t pull over. If you’re on the highway, stay on the highway until you get where you’ve got to go.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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For those high schools in California that still don’t have an athletic trainer, what happened last week at San Clemente High was another reason why they are so valuable for the safety reasons. And also proven was the requirement that coaches be certified in CPR every two years.
As a soccer class was ending last Thursday, an assistant coach fell to the ground. Head coach Chris Murray thought he tripped. Then he looked into his eyes, which appeared dilated, and saw that his face was purple. While a football coach nearby was calling 911, Murray began chest compressions.
Athletic trainer Amber Anaya received a text in her office that said, “Emergency.” She got into her golf cart that contained her automated external defibrilator (AED) machine and raced to the field within two minutes. She determined the coach was in cardiac arrest.
While Anaya hooked up her AED machine to the coach, Murray continued chest compressions. The AED machine evaluated the patient and recommended one shock. This went on for some seven minutes until paramedics arrived. Another shock was given after the paramedics took over.
The coach was transported to a hospital and survived. He would receive a pacemaker. It was a happy ending thanks to people who knew what to do in case of an emergency.
Last school year, the Culver City athletic trainer helped save a track athlete who went into cardiac arrest.
Murray said what he did was based on instincts and adrenaline. As soon as the ambulance left, he said he collapsed to his knee exhausted.
“His ribs are sore but not broken,” Murray said, “so I guess I did good.”
All the preparation in case of an emergency was put to good use by the coach trained in CPR and the athletic trainer who knew how to use an AED machine.
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
Sports
Police investigating USA Cycling incident as footage of organizers' interaction with activist goes viral
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Police in Livermore, California, are investigating an incident that occurred at a USA Cycling event on Sunday, when organizers were seen berating a women’s sports activist who was inquiring about sex tests.
“At the moment, we are looking into the matter and are in the process of reviewing our report and video footage,” a Livermore Police Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Footage of the interaction at USA Cycling’s Oakland Grand Prix has gone viral in recent days.
Beth Bourne, a California activist known to oppose biological male athletes in women’s and girls’ sports, was seen in the footage asking organizers if the women’s competitors at the event had been sex-tested to prove they were not male. One organizer was then seen approaching Bourne and covering her camera, saying, “We have policies in place. You can stop filming me.”
Bourne was then heard saying, “Give me my phone!”
The footage then showed Bourne walking away from that organizer in a panic before another organizer came up behind her to shout, “Hey! Get the f— out of here!”
Bourne told Fox News Digital that the incident was “emotional.”
“It was so unexpected. I have an idea that we’re going to have people maybe calling us names, or maybe calling us TERFs, which we’ve had, maybe even grabbing our signs. But to have somebody come up from behind me, before I even, I hadn’t even gotten a sign out, I had just asked two or three questions, so that shocked me, I was scared,” Bourne said.
“I was actually terrified, I was terrified that this person might really, really hurt me.”
Additional footage of the incident showed the same organizer who yelled in Bourne’s face later putting a pizza box in front of her face, covering the view of Bourne’s camera, then picking up her protest signs and throwing them in the garbage.
Bourne alleged that the organizer told her, “Your God isn’t going to protect you.”
“‘You’re just a hateful, awful person’” he told Bourne, she alleged. “And then he grabs all my signs and takes them and puts them in the trash can next to the start and finish area. And like that’s insane to me, that someone would grab someone’s property and throw it in the trash can, and it would be the race organizer himself.”
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Fox News Digital has reached out to USA Cycling for comment, but has not received a response.
The same event also drew scrutiny for another viral video of transgender cyclist Chelsea Wolfe telling protesters, “Go suck a sawed-off shotgun,” “You’re a Nazi piece of s—,” and “We kill Nazis.”
Chelsea Wolfe of Team USA competes in the women’s final during the BMX Freestyle World Cup on Dec. 11, 2022, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
Wolfe, a former Team USA alternate in women’s BMX who previously said the athlete wanted to win an Olympic medal to “burn the American flag,” took to social media to share multiple posts celebrating Charlie Kirk’s assassination last week.
“We did it!” Wolfe wrote in an Instagram Story sharing a report on the assassination last Wednesday.
Police in Livermore, California are investigating an incident at a USA Cycling event where a ‘protect women’s sports’ protester was berated by organizers. (Getty Images, Courtesy of Beth Bourne)
USA Cycling provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing Wolfe’s posts.
“The views of current and former national team athletes are their own and do not reflect those of USA Cycling. Chelsea Wolfe has not been a member of the USA Cycling National Team or a member of USA Cycling since 2023,” the statement read.
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