Chargers Make Head-Scratching Cut of Preseason Star

Despite the fact that the Los Angeles Chargers finalized their 53-man roster on Tuesday, they remained one of the most active teams in the league. Since then, they have continued to revamp their secondary as they moved on from safety-turned-cornerback JT Woods and traded for Titans cornerback Elijah Molden. They also claimed running back Hassan Haskins from the waiver wire, creating a need to open up another roster spot.

The cut to open up that roster spot came from one of the most unexpected places. According to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers decided to release veteran safety Tony Jefferson.

NFL News: Chargers Cut Safety Tony Jefferson

This is a very surprising decision by the Chargers as Jefferson was one of the standout performers in the preseason. He was one of the best defensive players as he recorded a team-high two interceptions and 15 tackles while adding a sack. Yet, that wasn't enough to get the 32-year-old on the 53-man roster. He is reportedly expected to join the practice squad.

This means that the Chargers will have a whopping five running backs on the active roster to start the season. Yes, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are serious injury risks but they are healthy and available to start the season. Regardless of the availability concerns, using five of your 53 roster spots on running backs is an overkill.

Jefferson can still play a role for the Chargers this season. Vested veterans on rosters in Week 1 have their salaries guaranteed for next season, so the team may have decided against it for that reason. Jefferson can still be elevated to the active roster three times during the season and eventually be signed. That will depend on how the safety rotation of Derwin James Jr, Alohi Gilman, and AJ Finley does to start the season.

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