Chargers Final Roster Moves Left Two Notable Decisions Standing

Despite the surprising cuts, the Chargers shape their final roster and make strategic injury reserve moves ahead of the upcoming season.

The Chargers trimmed their roster down to 53 on Sunday, parting ways with 32 players as they made their final cuts ahead of the season.

Among the names off the roster were linebacker Junior Colson, quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei and several other young players who had been in the mix through camp and preseason. The full group of cuts included DB Noah Avinger, LB Lander Barton, LS Peter Bowden, WR Jerand Bradley, LB Andre Carter, NT Jahmeer Carter, WR Liam Clifford, RB Gregory Desrosiers, DB Devin Grant, DT Jacobian Guillory, WR JaQuae Jackson, WR Gary Jennings, RB Amar Johnson, LB Emany Johnson, C Josh Kaltenberger, TE Johnny Pascuzzi, DB Myles Purchase, LB Garmon Randolph, DB Nikko Reed, DB Eric Rogers, WR Devonte Ross, TE Evan Svoboda, DE Nadame Tucker, T Laekin Vakalahi, DB Isas Waxter, DT Terry Webb and RB Jaret Patterson.

Three of the players released were listed as injured: WR Sincere Brown, WR Dalevon Campbell and LB Kyle Kennard.

The Chargers also moved FB Scott Matlock and G Branson Taylor to injured reserve with a designation to return. OT Isaiah World was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list.

One name that will not be on the cut list is safety Tony Jefferson. The team is no longer cutting him, despite an earlier report.

Colson’s departure stands out most among the moves. The 24-year-old was a three-year starter at Michigan and was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in both 2022 and 2023. Los Angeles took him with the No. 69 overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

He signed a four-year, $6,027,006 deal with the Chargers that included a $1,203,276 signing bonus. In 2024, Colson played in 11 games and finished with 29 tackles and one pass defense.

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