The Los Angeles Chargers are now 0-2 in preseason play after a 13-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night. While there’s no reason to sound the alarm on that alone, big things need to happen for several players on the team.

One thing that seems to be consistent with the team this season is that the players who have made good plays continue to make good plays, and the players who should step up and make good plays just aren’t. If the team needs to be cut down to 53 players, it could be pretty straightforward.

There may still be a glimmer of hope for at least three players to stick around, but they’ll have to come up with something in the final game of the season against the Dallas Cowboys, and in some cases it will probably have to be something big.

All of these players were expected to be part of the team’s future at some point, perhaps even recently, but they will likely be left out on cut day.

Chargers players who can hardly secure a spot on the roster

Chris Rumph Jr., Edge

A foot injury suffered by Chris Rumph recently kept him out of his team’s game against the Rams and likely sealed his fate as far as his future with the team is concerned.

The Chargers could place him on the injured list, the PUP list, or release him for compensation. One of those seems likely, and it could very well be the latter unless he can suit up and play against the Cowboys.

Isaiah Spiller, RB

After Kimani Vidal’s performance against the Rams, there doesn’t seem to be room for Isaiah Spiller on this roster. If the Chargers decide to keep four backs, Jaret Patterson will likely get the nod over Spiller.

The Chargers should explore a possible trade to get something for him rather than just releasing him. If no team bites, he’s likely a candidate for waivers.

Easton-Bat, QB

Easton Stick plays his way out of this team.

Until last year, Stick didn’t have to do much other than carry a clipboard and take a few snaps in the preseason. But due to Justin Herbert’s recent injuries, he’s been used more often as a center and it’s becoming clear that he’s just not very good.

I know everyone is jumping on him now, but Easton Stick’s decline is disappointing. I thought he showed enough growth last year to warrant his return. The film and data from last year spoke to me of someone who could be a middling backup in this league. The player…

— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) 18 August 2024

He threw an interception in the second straight preseason game on Saturday night, and while there’s hope Herbert will be ready to go in Week 1, the team needs a better backup QB. Stick will start against the Cowboys, but Luis Perez is competing for the job and, frankly, looks better.

There is also a possibility that the team’s second quarterback is not currently on the roster.

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