Chargers depth chart: 3 takeaways before 49ers game
The latest Chargers depth chart ahead of Thursday’s preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers still lists backups with “OR” notations, offering few firm rankings. Running back Omarion Hampton is clearly No. 1, left guard remains a three-way competition, and the starting tight end job is wide open among Charlie Kolar, Oronde Gadsden, and David Njoku. Fans tracking how to watch the matchup can check Streaming & TV Alerts for schedule and broadcast notes.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles lists a “21 personnel” offense and a 3-4 defense on its latest preseason depth chart.
- Omarion Hampton is locked in as the lead back; Keaton Mitchell or Kimani Vidal is the primary backup.
- Left guard is still Awosika, Taylor, or Slaughter; Slaughter is also the temporary starting center after Tyler Biadasz’s injury.
- Tight end is Charlie Kolar or Oronde Gadsden or David Njoku, with no clear starter named.
- Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei remain unmarked in ranking order as they compete for a roster quarterback spot.
Why does the Chargers depth chart matter ahead of the 49ers?
The Chargers face San Francisco in Week 2 of the NFL preseason on Thursday after a joint practice between the clubs. Ahead of that game, Los Angeles issued another depth chart. Per Sports Illustrated, the chart is grain-of-salt material, but it still flags several live position fights.
On offense, the team lists itself in “21 personnel,” meaning a running back, fullback, tight end, and two wideouts. Defensively, the chart shows a 3-4. Those labels set the frame for how the staff is presenting the roster right now.
On the other sideline, USA Today reports Brock Purdy is projected to start for the 49ers, with Kyle Shanahan saying a number of starters—not all—should play, unlike the prior week.
Who is winning the backup battles on the Chargers depth chart?
Unlike many clubs, the Chargers carefully place an “and” or “OR” between backups, which limits clear pecking-order reads. That caution shows most at quarterback. Justin Herbert sat out the preseason opener. Trey Lance struggled in that game, while DJ Uiagalelei entered and threw an easy score while operating the offense smoothly.
With new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in place, SI notes there is room for Uiagalelei to adapt and push for one of only two final roster quarterback spots. For now, the Chargers depth chart offers no public hint on Lance versus Uiagalelei.
At running back, Hampton is No. 1 without debate. Behind him, the chart lists Keaton Mitchell or Kimani Vidal as the primary backup. Mitchell arrived in free agency and is described as a clear McDaniel preference. Vidal had a mini-breakout last season as a three-down option. Amar Johnson has impressed this summer but has not yet cracked the listed top three.
On the offensive line, rookie Jake Slaughter looked close to claiming starting left guard. The latest chart still lists Kayode Awosika or Branson Taylor or Jake Slaughter at that spot, with Slaughter first among the backups. After Tyler Biadasz’s serious injury, Slaughter is the starting center for now. Awosika led early in camp as a free-agent arrival; Taylor, on the practice squad last year, has surged in camp.
What’s the deal at tight end on the Chargers depth chart?
The biggest open question on the Chargers depth chart is at tight end. The starting line reads Charlie Kolar or Oronde Gadsden or David Njoku. Gadsden looked like an ascending star as a rookie last year, yet free-agent arrivals Kolar and Njoku are listed right alongside him.
Historically, Kolar has been more blocker than receiver, though the Chargers hope that changes under McDaniel. Njoku is coming off down seasons in Cleveland but now works with McDaniel’s scheme. SI frames it as a good problem: somebody eventually has to take the job. The second preseason game may not settle it, especially if veterans sit or share snaps while Gadsden is protected.
For viewers, the Thursday Chargers-49ers preseason tilt is the next live test of these battles—and the next chance to see whether the chart’s “OR” lines start to clear up.