INGLEWOOD, Calif. — As the Los Angeles Chargers wrapped up their preseason with a competitive 27-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 27, 2026, the final auditions for roster spots were in full swing. With final cuts scheduled for Sunday, August 30, the Chargers' coaching staff had one last opportunity to evaluate players in game action, and undrafted rookie running back Greg DesRosiers Jr. seized the moment in spectacular fashion.
DesRosiers' Breakout Performance
DesRosiers, who entered the game as a long shot to make the 53-man roster, delivered a performance that will force the front office to think long and hard before making their final decisions. The rookie out of a small college program rushed for 118 yards on just nine carries, including a dazzling 34-yard touchdown run that had the Chargers' sideline buzzing. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), DesRosiers earned an impressive 92.4 overall grade, second only to wide receiver Quentin Johnston's 95.0 mark on offense.
"At the end of the day, they're going to have a big decision to make, and my job was to make it hard for them," DesRosiers said after the game, as captured by beat writer Kris Rhim. His performance was a testament to his vision, burst, and determination—traits that could earn him a spot on the roster despite being an undrafted free agent. The Chargers' running back room, led by starter J.K. Dobbins, has depth, but DesRosiers' explosiveness may be too valuable to ignore.
Offensive Standouts and Concerns
Beyond DesRosiers, the Chargers' offense showed promise in the preseason finale. Quarterback Justin Herbert, despite a fumbled handoff that marred his otherwise solid outing, connected with Johnston for a 65-yard touchdown that showcased the duo's chemistry. Johnston finished with a team-high 95.0 PFF grade, while tight end Charlie Kolar (86.5) and wide receiver Gary Jennings (80.1) also impressed. Jennings led the team with three receptions for 44 yards, proving his reliability in the passing game.
However, not all was smooth. Offensive tackle Laekin Vakalahi, an International Player Pathway participant, struggled mightily, earning a 0.0 pass-blocking grade after allowing a strip sack. His performance highlights the steep learning curve from IPP to NFL starter. Similarly, quarterback Trey Lance, competing for a backup role, completed zero passes on two attempts, relying on his legs when plays broke down—a concerning sign for a player hoping to stick as a developmental option.
Defensive Bright Spots
Defensively, the Chargers had several standout performers. Safety Myles Purchase led the unit with an 86.2 overall grade, including an 81.4 coverage grade—the only player on the team to top 80.0 in that category. Safety Noah Avinger and veteran Tony Jefferson each earned 81.4 grades, providing depth and experience in the secondary. Edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu showcased his power with a bull rush that collapsed the pocket on Rams quarterback Ty Simpson, while linebacker Daiyan Henley delivered a punishing tackle for loss that energized the defense.
On the flip side, cornerback Nikko Reed struggled in coverage, allowing a touchdown pass to Brennan Presley and earning a 38.3 overall grade. Defensive tackle Jacob Guillory II (34.4) and edge rusher Nadame Tucker (45.3) also had rough outings, with Tucker's tackling grade of 24.6 the worst on the defense. These performances could be decisive as the Chargers trim their roster to 53 players, with several undrafted rookies and fringe veterans fighting for the final spots.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
As the Chargers prepare for their regular-season opener, the preseason finale provided both reassurance and tough decisions. The offensive firepower, led by Herbert and Johnston, appears ready for the challenges ahead, while the defense showed flashes of playmaking ability. However, the team must address the inconsistencies in pass protection and secondary coverage before the games count.
For DesRosiers, the journey from undrafted free agent to potential roster spot is far from over, but his performance against the Rams was a statement. As the Chargers finalize their roster, they'll weigh the upside of a dynamic playmaker against the need for depth at other positions. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Chargers' front office values versatility and special teams contributions, which could work in DesRosiers' favor if he can contribute on coverage units.
With the regular season just weeks away, the Chargers' decisions on players like DesRosiers, Vakalahi, and Reed will shape their 2026 campaign. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk will continue to monitor these roster moves and provide in-depth coverage of the Chargers' journey throughout the season.
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