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Chargers' 53-man roster projection includes Zach Mettenberger as third QB

Zach Mettenberger will get his chance to prove during training camp that he belongs on the 53-man roster. Photo by Tom Walko/Icon Sportswire

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Chargers wrapped up their offseason program a day early on Wednesday and open training camp on July 30 at Chargers Park in San Diego, California. Here’s a 53-man roster projection:

QUARTERBACK (3)

Philip Rivers

Kellen Clemens

Zach Mettenberger

Mettenberger’s play during offseason work has been uneven at best, but the raw talent is there.

RUNNING BACK (4)

Melvin Gordon

Danny Woodhead

Branden Oliver

Derek Watt

Chris Swain and Kenneth Farrow have shown some potential during offseason work.

WIDE RECEIVER (5)

Keenan Allen

Travis Benjamin

Stevie Johnson

Dontrelle Inman

Tyrell Williams

It’s a pretty solid group. Javontee Herndon sticks if Chargers keep six receivers here.

TIGHT END (4)

Antonio Gates

Hunter Henry

Jeff Cumberland

Sean McGrath

Chargers want to run more two TE sets so McGrath stays here for blocking on run plays.

OFFENSIVE LINE (9)

King Dunlap

Orlando Franklin

Matt Slauson

D.J. Fluker

Joe Barksdale

Chris Hairston

Kenny Wiggins

Trevor Robinson

Max Tuerk

The Chargers could add another body here during training camp, with players like Chris Watt, Robinson and Tuerk still working to get healthy.

DEFENSIVE LINE (6)

Brandon Mebane

Corey Liuget

Joey Bosa

Darius Philon

Sean Lissemore

Tenny Palepoi

San Diego has the most talent up front defensively during the Mike McCoy era. Damion Square also deserves a chance to earn a spot here.

LINEBACKER (9)

Melvin Ingram

Manti Te’o

Denzel Perryman

Jeremiah Attaochu

Kyle Emanuel

Nick Dzubnar

Tourek Williams

Joshua Perry

Jatavis Brown

Former Dallas Cowboys edge rusher Ben Gardner made some noise with his play during offseason work.

DEFENSIVE BACK (10)

Brandon Flowers

Jason Verrett

Casey Hayward

Craig Mager

Steve Williams

Jahleel Addae

Dwight Lowery

Adrian Phillips

Darrell Stuckey

Dexter McCoil

Richard Crawford has made plays during offseason work and could fight his way onto the team during training camp.

SPECIALIST (3)

PK Josh Lambo

P Drew Kaser

LS Mike Windt

Kasey Redfern is still competing for the punting job with Kaser, but it will be hard for the Chargers to cut the team’s sixth-round pick out of Texas A&M.