The Chargers lost to the Rams, 23-22, in their third preseason game. Despite the outcome, several players boosted their chances of earning a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad with strong performances.
Following the game, here’s a look at which roster-bubble players helped their cause:
WR Luke Grimm
Backend of the roster spots can be won on special teams, and Grimm stood out in that department on Saturday. Grimm, the undrafted rookie out of Kansas, returned a punt for a 66-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to give the Chargers a 22-17 lead. He almost had another punt return TD the weekend before against the Saints, but he was tripped up. It’ll be a tall task to beat out WR Derius Davis for return duties, but plays like this could at least warrant a spot on the practice squad.
DT TeRah Edwards
Edwards might have had the best play of the preseason, as he picked off Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett and returned it 27 yards. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter dropped the former Illinois product into coverage. He secured the football into his chest and truck-sticked Bennett along the way before being brought down. Like Grimm, he will likely be a practice squad candidate. But plays like this will carry on with him forever.
S Tony Jefferson
Jefferson, the preseason MVP, finished with three tackles and a pass breakup at the goal line on a fourth-down play, which prevented a Rams touchdown. He also added a special teams tackle. Jefferson leans more toward a near-lock to make the roster, but RJ Mickens, the sixth-round pick, could fend him off if the Chargers choose to only carry four safeties on the initial 53-man roster.
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