The Los Angeles Chargers have finalized their 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL season, confirming Trey Lance as the backup quarterback despite strong preseason performances from DJ Uiagalelei. Lance, who has familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s system from their time together with the San Francisco 49ers, will serve as the team’s QB2. Uiagalelei, who outperformed Lance in the preseason finale against the Rams, was signed to the practice squad.
“My mindset has just been stacking days,” Lance said, reflecting on his preparation. “As many days as I can have; good days that I could feel good about. Good reps [or] bad reps, I learn from them all.”
Several notable moves accompanied the roster cutdown. Running back Jaret Patterson was released amid a crowded backfield led by Omarion Hampton. Meanwhile, veteran punter JK Scott, who struggled during the preseason with poor tackling and a mishandled punt, was initially left off the roster but re-signed on Monday after linebacker Denzel Perryman was placed on injured reserve.
Wide receivers Greg Desrosiers Jr. and Amar Johnson, despite promising preseason showings, did not make the active roster but were also retained on the practice squad. Desrosiers expressed confidence in his future opportunities, stating he felt he had done enough to “put all the teams on notice and put the front office here on notice.”
Other players who showed promise but did not secure a spot on the active roster include wideout Dalevon Campbell, outside linebacker Kyle Kennard, and linebacker Junior Colson. Colson, a third-round draft pick in 2024, was waived but added to the practice squad.
Among undrafted rookies, cornerback Rodney Shelley earned a spot on the final roster following a strong preseason, closing camp with five tackles and a notable pass breakup against the Rams. To make room for Shelley, the Chargers traded cornerback Avery Smith to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick. Additionally, defensive lineman TeRah Ewards was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a 2028 sixth-round draft selection.
Offensive lineman Jacob Spomer, another undrafted rookie, impressed during training camp and will remain with the team, providing depth after the Chargers placed Branson Taylor on injured reserve alongside linebacker Scott Matlock.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh underscored the team’s broader approach to the roster cuts, emphasizing that players waived are not necessarily finished. “I can’t really think of anybody that I’m going to tell their football lives are over to,” Harbaugh said. “I’m probably going to put myself in their shoes and hopefully give them some great advice [on] what to do next. It’s going to be said with encouragement and love, because I truly believe in them.”
The Chargers will continue to develop talent through their practice squad while preparing for the upcoming season with a roster that balances experience and youthful potential.