2 surprise Chargers 2026 preseason roster cuts to watch out for before Week 1

The Los Angeles are determined to inject a new level of creativity and physicality into their championship-caliber roster. The arrival of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is a big boost to maximize Justin Herbert’s arm talent. Meanwhile, the front office reinforced the offense with veteran center Tyler Biadasz and dynamic tight end David Njoku. On defense, they continued building around Derwin James Jr and a ferocious front. That energy has carried directly into training camp and preseason action. Several Chargers have surged into prominent roles. However, that progress has come at a cost for others. With roster cutdowns approaching, two recognizable names have suddenly entered dangerous territory. They could find themselves looking for new teams before Los Angeles takes its opening snap of the regular season.

OL Trevor Penning

Trevor Penning might have entered training camp expecting to provide valuable depth along the offensive line. Instead, his path to the Chargers’ final roster has become increasingly difficult to identify.

Penning was brought in with the appeal of physicality and positional versatility. Those attributes traditionally make offensive linemen valuable roster pieces. When Los Angeles opened camp with competition at left guard, the opportunity appeared obvious. If Penning could demonstrate that his physical tools translated inside, he could potentially seize a starting role. The problem is that McDaniel’s offensive system places unusual demands on its blockers.

The outside-zone concepts require linemen to move laterally with precision. They must understand spacing almost instantaneously. Those requirements can expose a blocker who is more comfortable relying on size and power than fluid movement and rapid processing. That reportedly appears to have happened with Penning.

As padded practices intensified, Branson Taylor and veteran Kayode Awosika began separating themselves from the competition. Penning, meanwhile, continued sliding down the rotation. The most concerning development was the increasingly limited nature of his opportunities.

The Chargers need their backup offensive linemen to be useful in multiple circumstances. A reserve cannot merely occupy a roster spot. So far, Penning has yet to establish that reliability. That makes him particularly vulnerable as roster construction reaches its final stage. For Los Angeles, the emergence of other players has reduced the value of keeping a developmental project whose role remains unclear.

LB Junior Colson

Junior Colson’s situation is arguably even more surprising. His long-term potential once appeared to make his roster status relatively secure. Entering training camp, the expectation was that Colson would establish himself as an important part of the Chargers’ linebacker rotation. Instead, the competition around him has become increasingly unforgiving.

Denzel Perryman continues to provide the physical presence and veteran leadership. Henley has carved out an important role because of his coverage ability. Meanwhile, Del’Shawn Phillips and Troy Dye have made themselves increasingly difficult to overlook. That last component could ultimately determine Colson’s fate.

The bottom of an NFL roster is not reserved exclusively for the most talented players. Special teams value, positional versatility and reliability can become decisive factors. Colson therefore has to do more than simply show flashes. He needs to demonstrate that he can process defensive concepts quickly and trigger downhill without hesitation.

So far, Colson has struggled to consistently separate himself. There have been moments when his athleticism and physical ability have surfaced. Still, inconsistency in diagnosing plays has allowed competitors to gain ground. Against live competition, hesitation is especially costly. That is exactly the type of detail Minter’s defense cannot afford.

Make every roster spot count

The most revealing aspect of these two situations is that neither Penning nor Colson is necessarily being pushed out because of their ability. They are being squeezed because the Chargers have created genuine competition.

The Chargers’ offensive installation has raised the standard for movement and execution. Their defense demands immediate recognition and physical consistency. Meanwhile, special teams remain a crucial consideration for the final spots on the roster.

Penning must prove he can provide reliable offensive-line depth in a demanding system. Colson must show that his defensive instincts and special-teams value warrant keeping him. For these two Chargers, the tailend of the preseason could determine whether they begin the 2026 season in Los Angeles, or whether they become two of the most surprising names searching for work once roster cutdown day arrives.

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