Most Surprising Moves For Chargers 53 Man Roster
By Sinan Habeeb
The Chargers announced their 53-man roster early Saturday, releasing 22 players in the process. While there was no blindsiding moves for the Bolts, here are some noteworthy cuts and additions:
Mike Harris
Mike Harris joined the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2012, and went on to make make 15 starts at left tackle as the team tried to find a suitable replacement for Jared Gaither. Harris suffered an ankle injury last October, which ended his 2013 campaign where he was the back up at both tackle spots. Consequently, it was his injury that led to the signing of Willie Smith, whom he was competing with this training camp. The surprising thing about this move is that Harris was told that he had won the swing tackle job and would be kept, so something must have transpired in the last 24 hours to warrant his release.
<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet” lang=”en”><p>Wow. Michael Harris under impression he won swing tackle job Friday, sources said. Cut today. Willie Smith did. Miscommunication somewhere.</p>— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) <a href=”https://twitter.com/UTgehlken/statuses/505803300352978945″>August 30, 2014</a></blockquote>
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Vincent Brown:
Vincent Brown was a highly touted local product from San Diego State when he was picked by the Chargers in 2011 in the third round of the NFL draft, where he had a decent rookie season, catching 19 balls for 329 yards and 2 touchdowns. His best work was arguably done last preseason where he earned rave reviews from Philip Rivers and Mike McCoy. However an injury ended his 2012 season after the first preseason game. Brown had battled a calf injury early this training camp and saw little work in the preseason. He became expendable after the emergence of Dontrelle Inman and the need to keep Seyi Ajirotutu for special teams purposes.
Thomas Keiser:
Thomas Keiser was a late addition to the roster last year, as the injuries to Dwight Freeney and Melvin Ingram forced the Chargers to look elsewhere for a pass rusher. Keiser went on to play in 12 games and contributed 4.5 sacks. Keiser’s top highlight came late in the season against the Broncos, where he picked off Peyton Manning to seal a 27-20 over the Broncos in week 15. His position on the roster became suspect after he was arrested for an altercation in a San Diego restaurant in December. Head coach Mike McCoy also seemed to favor Tourek Williams for the 5th and final outside linebacker spot. Many assumed the Chargers were going to keep the linebacker due to the age of Jarret Johnson and Freeney. He should get picked up by a team in need of pass rushing help, which makes it unlikely that he gets signed to the practice squad.
Marion Grice and Branden Oliver:
While its not surprising to see Marion Grice or Branden Oliver on the final 53-man roster, it is a surprise to see both of them make the team. The general feeling around Chargers park was that the two backs were competing for the fourth and final running back spot on the roster. The Chargers instead opted to keep both of them. Both had break out games in the preseason, as Oliver rushed seven times for 64 yards and a touchdown in the preseason opener against the Cowboys while Grice made his mark in week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, rushing 17 times for 79 carries. They will join a crowded backfield that features Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and Donald Brown.
Both backs figure to factor in the return game, as both have breakaway speed to jump start a special teams unit that has failed to make an impact since the departure of Darren Sproles.