The LA Chargers’ 53-man roster is starting to take shape after two preseason games. There is still plenty of room for change and of course the team can surprise us, but there is much more clarity now than there was a month ago.

While most of the roster spots are already filled, there are some that could only be decided in the last preseason game of the year and the last week of training. There are certain players who have an edge in these fringe spots, but they are not set in stone.

That includes the quarterback position, which was a low point for the Chargers during Justin Herbert’s foot injury. Even if Herbert returns to practice on Monday, the Chargers may have to think about bringing in outside help at that position.

And that’s exactly what the team did in our latest 53-man roster projection after the second preseason game of the year.

Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Tyler Huntley

Tyler Huntley is currently listed as the Cleveland Browns’ third quarterback behind Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston. Although Huntley is a former Pro Bowler, it would make more long-term sense for the Browns to try to get something by trading him and using the younger Dorian Thompson-Robinson as the third quarterback.

Whether Huntley is released or traded, the Chargers should be interested. Trading a late third-day pick for a good backup quarterback isn’t a bad move, especially for one with experience in Greg Roman’s offense.

Running back (4): Gus Edwards, JK Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Jaret Patterson

Jaret Patterson has probably done enough to earn a spot on the Chargers’ roster, and given the injury concerns of Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins, it seems much more likely that the team will go with a fourth running back instead of a fullback.

That leaves out Isaiah Spiller, a 2022 fourth-round pick, as he barely got any offensive snaps in the second preseason game of the year and never stood out on special teams (though he did get first-team snaps in practice). Patterson actually has experience on special teams, so he’s the better option in that regard.

Wide Receivers (6): Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey, DJ Chark, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis, Brenden Rice

As it stands right now, rookie Brenden Rice could still take the WR6 spot on the 53-man roster. Rice played a lot for the Chargers in the preseason and that bodes well for his chances on the roster.

However, he has not played as well as Simi Fehoko, who is also valuable on special teams. With another strong performance in the final preseason game of the year, Fehoko could displace Rice from the last wide receiver spot on the roster. Either way, Cornelius Johnson, also drafted in the seventh round, no longer seems to be a candidate for the roster.

Tight End (4): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham, Stone Smartt

Stone Smartt had a bad game against the Rams and is fighting for his spot on the roster. It’s very likely that the Chargers will have four tight ends on the roster, so the question is whether Smartt or new addition Tusker Fisk will steal his elusive roster spot.

Fisk had a very promising game against the Rams on Saturday. One more goal could be enough to reach the goal.

Offensive Line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Brenden Jaimes, Foster Sarrell

There are no real changes here for the Chargers, although the depth behind the offensive line could be a bit of a concern. Look for the Chargers to remain active on the open market and potentially add more depth to that room if the right option becomes available.

Inner defence line (6): Morgan Fox, Poona Ford, Otito Ogbonnia, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock, Justin Eboigbe

The Chargers have signed former Tennessee Titans nose tackle Teair Tart, and he is considered a near certainty to make the 53-man roster. Tart brings a pass rush presence to the nose tackle position while also providing much-needed depth of a veteran player in a room that is still relatively inexperienced.

Tart is good enough to beat out Poona Ford as the team’s nose tackle, which was a really good signing for the Chargers at this point in the preseason.

Edge (4): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree

The main difference from a week ago is the removal of Tre’Mon Morris-Brash. Morris-Brash has been a standout player so far in training camp and the preseason, but the addition of Tart could result in him being off the roster (but on the practice squad).

Before Tart’s signing, the idea was that Tuipulotu could kick inside when needed, creating a need for an additional edge rusher in certain packages. With Tart, that need no longer exists.

Linebackers (5): Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Troy Dye, Nick Niemann

Nothing has changed here, as the Chargers have more linebackers than most NFL fans realize. The trio of Denzel Perryman, Daiyan Henley and Junior Colson should really provide a solid foundation for the rest of the roster.

Recently signed Shaquille Quarterman showed promise in the Chargers’ second preseason game of the year and could soon earn a spot on the roster. Keep an eye on him in the final preseason game.

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still

There are no changes here and fans are overjoyed at what this group could accomplish under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The early results in training camp and during the preseason have been great.

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, Thomas Harper

The outlook for the safety position has changed dramatically over the course of training camp and the preseason. AJ Finley has established himself as the third safety in the rankings and with JT Woods moves to the cornerThomas Harper may have established himself as the fourth safety with a strong performance in Saturday’s game.

Special teams (3): Cameron Dicker, JK Scott, Josh Harris

For once, the special teams are the Chargers’ most stable position. Cameron Dicker is one of the best kickers in the league, JK Scott is more than serviceable and Josh Harris is a great long snapper.