SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers must cut their roster to 75 by 4 p.m. ET Tuesday and to 53 by 4 p.m. ET Saturday. Here’s a final 53-man roster projection:
QUARTERBACK (2): Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens
Undrafted rookie Mike Bercovici has performed better than Zach Mettenberger, making the Arizona State product worth keeping around on the practice squad.
RUNNING BACK (4): Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead, Dreamius Smith, Derek Watt
Losing all-purpose running back Branden Oliver to an Achilles tendon tear is a crushing blow. Chris Swain is pushing Watt for the starting fullback job. Both Swain and Kenneth Farrow are candidates for the practice squad. Farrow has proven to be a physical runner and capable performer in preseason action.
WIDE RECEIVER (6): Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Dontrelle Inman, Tyrell Williams, James Jones, Isaiah Burse
Burse has been a solid performer, knows all three receiver positions and can also help in a pinch in the return game. Unfortunately Javontee Herndon could never get healthy.
TIGHT END (3): Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, Sean McGrath
Tim Semisch or Asante Cleveland could be possibilities if the Chargers want to keep four tight ends. San Diego will run more two-tight-end sets this season. McGrath has shown promise as a blocker in the running game.
OFFENSIVE LINE (9): King Dunlap, Orlando Franklin, Matt Slauson, D.J. Fluker, Joe Barksdale, Chris Hairston, Kenny Wiggins, Spencer Pulley, Max Tuerk
The loss of seventh-round pick Donavon Clark for the season with an ACL injury hurts the depth here. Marcel Jones, an undrafted rookie out of Nebraska, is a possibility if the Chargers want to keep another player on the active roster for depth. Center Chris Watt should begin the season on the physically unable to perform list.
DEFENSIVE LINE (7): Brandon Mebane, Corey Liuget, Joey Bosa, Darius Philon, Ryan Carrethers, Tenny Palepoi, Chuka Ndulue
Because of the Bosa situation, the Chargers will need to keep more depth here. Damion Square will begin the season on the reserved/suspended list.
LINEBACKER (9): Melvin Ingram, Manti Te'o, Denzel Perryman, Jeremiah Attaochu, Kyle Emanuel, Nick Dzubnar, Tourek Williams, Joshua Perry, Jatavis Brown
Ben Gardner and Chris Landrum have also shone promise, but the Chargers might look to add more depth from the waiver wire during final roster cuts.
DEFENSIVE BACK (10): Brandon Flowers, Jason Verrett, Casey Hayward, Craig Mager, Steve Williams, Jahleel Addae, Dwight Lowery, Adrian Phillips, Darrell Stuckey, Dexter McCoil
This is probably the deepest position group on the team. Undrafted rookie Trevor Williams also has made plays and could be a consideration, although former CFL standout Dexter McCoil makes the cut here.
SPECIALISTS (3): K Josh Lambo, P Drew Kaser, LS Mike Windt.
Kaser has looked like he belongs from the start. His 44.7-yard net punting average is No. 4 in the NFL for exhibition play. Kaser also is tied for third in the league during preseason play with six punts downed inside the 20-yard line.