The Chargers are in the middle of roster-cut season, and one of the bigger questions now sits at punter. JK Scott, who has been with Los Angeles for four seasons and is expected to enter year five, suddenly looks like a player the team has to seriously evaluate after another rough preseason stretch.
The final preseason game only sharpened the concern. Scott posted a punt average of 26.5 in Week 3 of the preseason, a number that will not help his case as the Chargers weigh their options before the 2026 NFL season.
The bigger issue, though, came the week before. Scott drew attention for not making a tackle attempt on a return man, a lapse that led to a touchdown and extended the blowout the Chargers were already facing against the 49ers.
Asked whether Scott had been told not to go for the tackle, Jim Harbaugh made it clear that was not the case: “No, he's got to have a plan when he's in that position to make a tackle. Something we need to work on, coach up.”
With Scott struggling and the preseason mistakes piling up, the Chargers may have reason to look for another punter. Alex Katson, a Chargers content creator and special teams specialist, pointed to 40-year-old Thomas Morstead and Jamie Gillan as possible replacements, while also noting that Gillan may sign with the New England Patriots as soon as tomorrow.
The Chargers have long dealt with special teams issues, and Scott’s latest stretch has put him right in the middle of that conversation. Even with limited options available, the team’s “competitors welcome” approach means his spot is no longer something to take for granted.
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Chargers Have One Last Chance To Build Momentum Against The Rams
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Jim Harbaugh has already signaled his starters will see only a brief look, which means the final preseason push will fall to the depth chart players trying to make an impression. The Rams have had encouraging early returns from first-round pick Ty Simpson, and the Chargers will be looking for their own bench contributors to answer back in a game that should say more about roster decisions than the scoreboard. [Read more 🡒]