The Los Angeles Chargers have formed their practice squad ahead of the upcoming NFL season, making a few tweaks to help them get through the initial part of this year’s schedule.
The Chargers announced their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday ahead of the league’s deadline. It contained some surprises, mostly at running back and offensive line.
The Chargers did what most teams do by bringing back as many of the players they released as possible. However, that list does not include wide receiver Brenden Rice. It did include veteran long snapper Rick Lovato. With Josh Harris opening the season on injured reserve and missing at least the first four games, Lovato signed to the practice squad and will serve in that long snapper role until Harris can get back.
The Chargers were also able to bring Kimani Vidal back to the practice squad. The Chargers had some surprise cuts at the running back position, but their gamble of cutting undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders did not pay off. He was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns.
Because the Chargers included tight end Thomas Yassmin, a player on the International Player Pathway Program, the team was able to keep 17 players on the practice squad.
Los Angeles Chargers Practice Squad
| Player | Position |
| Kimani Vidal | RB |
| Karsen Barnhart | OL |
| TeRah Edwards | DL |
| Rick Lovato | LS |
| Thomas Yassmin | TE |
| Harrison Hand | CB |
| JaQuae Jackson | WR |
| Tony Jefferson | S |
| Emany Johnson | LB |
| Josh Kaltenberger | OL |
| Nyheim Hines-Miller | RB |
| Myles Purchase | CB |
| Garmon Randolph | OLB |
| Jalen Reagor | WR |
| David Sharpe | OT |
| Branson Taylor | OL |
| D.J. Uiagalelei | QB |
READ: Chargers find new home for Quentin Johnston in proposed three-team deal
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