Fear The Turk!
by P.S. Hamilton
It’s getting to be that time, folks. Teams typically designate someone in the organization to give the axe to players that fought for a roster spot and lost. The guy that drew the short straw is referred to as “The Turk”. 
The first cut-down day is on August 29. At that time teams must shave the roster down to 75 players, regardless of their exemption status. In previous years the first cut was down to 65, although NFL Europe players were still exempt. That was brutal for a coach still was on the fence about a player. This year it should be a little easier to avoid prematurely cutting a player that has a lot of potential and could fill in if an injury occurs.
The final cut to 53 players takes place on September 2, the day after the last pre-season game. Teams can designate players to the practice squad on that day as well.
The upcoming game against Seattle will give bubble players their last chance to make an impression on Chargers coaches. It is also their best chance to audition for other teams that may have a need for players at their position.
The Chargers shouldn’t have too much trouble with the first cut. Some players are just not up to the caliber of others on the roster. Other players won’t be cut just yet because the team wants to get them a little more game experience in case an injury happens and they need to put them on the practice squad for possible call-up later. The Bolts have quality depth at most positions. Undrafted free agents will have to be exceptional to make the squad. The toughest cuts will be at linebacker, so don’t expect many cuts there this round. The wide receiver corps is pretty well set. Whether they keep five or six, it is pretty obvious who they will be. If they keep five, expect them to be McCardell, Parker, Osgood, Jackson, and Floyd. Put Camarillo at the end if they decide to keep six. Keeping six receivers this year will be tough since coach Schottenheimer appears to be leaning towards three or possibly four tight ends. The Broncos have already announced that they will using some three and four tight end sets this year. Hmm…who is keeping up with whom?
The team may carry an extra kicker this year, too. Six round draft pick Kurt Smith has really been looking good in the pre-season games. Schottenheimer has alluded to possibility of going with just three backs since Manumaleuna can essentially play the part of one in certain packages.
Possible cuts could include CB Steve Gregory, CB Anthony Mims, DT Alvin Smith, TE Kelly Griffeth, DT Alvin Smith, RB Derek Farmer, RB Jonathan Evans, RB Larry Croom, RB Tyronne Gross, RB Bryson Sumlin, WR Robert Ortiz, WR Sean Coffey, WR Mark Simmons, and WR Ricky Bryant.
Mitch Meeuwsen has experience at both cornerback and safety, which might help him survive the first cut.
There is still discussion about Donnie Edwards and his status. If he does manage to get traded it will mean one more player can live to play another day.
The starters are scheduled to play the first half of the Seattle game, giving the “bubble” players precious little time to shine. If they don’t make a good showing of it, come Monday they may hear a knock at the door. Fear the Turk.
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