Chargers release three players, trim roster to 80

Ty Long is here to stay for another year.

It looks like the first domino fell in regards to how the special teams unit will shake out in 2021.

On Monday morning, it was reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo that the Chargers made their first cut of the preseason by releasing punter Lachlan Edwards. That was soon followed up by an official announcement by the team that they had also released 2021 UDFA kicker Alex Kessman and wide receiver Michael Bandy.

These cuts don’t change a whole lot in regards to how we all thought the final roster would shake out. With all the special teams competition brought in by the new staff, it was easy to believe all three jobs would be up for grabs but the performance by Kessman in practice and the lack of opportunities for Edwards somewhat spelled this outcome early on.

Bandy was unfortunately the last addition to a wide receiver group that’s arguably the deepest on the roster. From the start, his chances of making an impact were slim to none.

The Chargers are now at 85 players well ahead of tomorrow’s deadline for the entire NFL. They’ll have to cut down to 80 players by August 24 and then the final 53 must be finalized by August 31 at 4:00 p.m. ET.