Chargers Weigh Roster Changes After Week 9 Loss

The Chargers’ loss to Houston has sharpened questions about which players belong in the team’s plans and whether veterans could be moved before the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday. Los Angeles has resisted the idea of trading players, but the team is winless at midseason and faces pressure to reassess its roster.

On the offensive line, Cole Strange was benched after a poor first half. Branson Taylor, returning from injury, took his place, before Alex Harkey also rotated in. Both performed better than Strange, though the continued use of multiple players at guard remains a concern.

Rookie safety Genesis Smith had another difficult outing in coverage as Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 384 yards. Smith has struggled with coverage errors, tackling and taking the right angles after an earlier highlight that included two interceptions against Buffalo. Donte Jackson and Rodney Shelley also had rough games.

Linebacker Marlowe Wax strengthened his case for more playing time, finishing with eight tackles and batting a pass that Daiyan Henley intercepted. Henley, meanwhile, is among the potential trade candidates after failing to match his 2024 form. Dalvin Tomlinson could also attract interest after a strong performance against the run; the 32-year-old defensive lineman could benefit from joining a contender.

Jackson is another possible trade option, with his experience potentially drawing interest for a late-round pick. But injuries in the Chargers’ secondary could make moving him difficult, as the team would need to find replacements. The team’s deadline decisions come as it tries to determine whether its current roster can turn the season around.