Eric D. Williams 10y

Telesco likes improved depth on roster

SAN DIEGO -- Two years into the retooling effort for the San Diego Chargers, general manager Tom Telesco said more debate went into final roster cuts in putting together this season's roster -- and that's a good thing.

"Cuts are hard no matter what because you're dealing with people," Teleseco said. "But yeah, we just felt like this year there were a number of guys that warranted consideration for the 53 and our practice squad than I remember last year. So that's usually good because it means we're moving in the right direction talent-wise."

The Chargers cut two selections from this year's draft in sixth-round running back Marion Grice and seventh rounder receiver Tevin Reese. San Diego also kept three undrafted rookie free agents in running back Branden Oliver, cornerback Chris Davis and defensive tackle Tenny Palepoi.

Telesco said his pro personnel department also did a nice job in mining two diamonds in the rough in former CFL standouts receiver Dontrelle Inman and pass rusher Cordarro Law. Inman made the roster as the final receiver over Vincent Brown, while Law had a productive preseason and was added to San Diego's practice squad.

"It's a little bit of an unknown," Telesco said about Inman. "At least he had some production in the CFL. But he picked up the system very quick. He's a very good route runner. He consistently performed in practice against some pretty good DBs this year. And when his number was called in the game, he produced."

In deciding to part ways with Brown, Telesco said that ultimately the five receivers that remain on the roster were productive during training camp, while the San Diego State product couldn't get back on the field due to a lingering calf strain. Brown was waived/injured over the weekend. He cleared waivers and was placed on San Diego's injured reserve list.

However, Brown is close to being healthy, and will likely receive an injury settlement so he can play for another team this season.

"He did a lot for us last year," Telesco said about Brown. "He's a great kid, a good football player. Those are just tough decisions to make. I'm glad we have tough ones, and not easy ones."

Telesco said his job isn't over with final roster cuts completed, as the 53-man roster remains fluid throughout the season.

"It's never really done," he said. "Certainly, with injuries we're constantly moving things around. We have a lot of players that aren't even here that we'd like to get back at some point, so you may have to juggle it.

"We're constantly watching our players to see if they perform when they need to perform. And if they don't, then we may have to make a move."

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