CHARGERS 2015 ROSTER

A position-by-position breakdown of the Chargers roster in advance of training camp, which begins July 30.

Arguably no Chargers position had a more compelling dynamic than tight end — where all four returners from 2014 enter the final season of their contract — before a suspension stripped a quarter of the season from the only one with a Hall of Fame resume.

Little argument remains.

Nowhere rivals what the Chargers have here.


Antonio Gates can practice in training camp and play in the preseason. But he will not be on the roster Sept. 13 against the Lions, serving the start of a four-game suspension after a positive test in April for an undisclosed, banned substance. Ladarius Green, John Phillips, David Johnson and perhaps a fourth name are expected to carry the torch.

True life without Gates, 35, inevitably will come some day.

The team gets a sample of it now.

The most obvious fallout to his missed games against Detroit, Cincinnati, Minnesota and Cleveland is the extended opportunity afforded to Green. The fourth-year tight end has developed under the Pro Bowler, Gates often referring to the speedy 6-foot-6 receiver as a “little brother.” How this mentorship translates onto the field, well, it’s time to see.


Scheme and health kept Green from a large offensive role in 2014. Gates has played 47 of 48 games since Green entered the league, the only missed game coming in Green’s rookie season. The time has come.

Green took first-team reps at organized team activities and most of minicamp, leaving a good impression. Coach Mike McCoy, offensive coordinator Frank Reich and quarterback Philip Rivers agreed he looked faster to them. Green said that he felt a difference.

“I know what to do,” he said. “I’m not thinking as much when I’m running the routes. I’m just able to do it faster.”

Gates won’t consume a spot on the 53-man roster during his suspension. The Chargers carried four tight ends last year. If they are again to carry a fourth, it likely won’t be an accrued veteran, as a player with four of more years in the league is guaranteed his full season’s salary if on the roster Week 1. A young player is more probable to get a shot.


Brian Parker, an undrafted rookie from Albany, is one name to watch.

The Chargers were one of nine teams who showed serious interest after the draft, signing him with a sizable $7,000 bonus. He was limited part of the spring with an unspecified injury but is expected to be a full participant next Thursday for the start of camp. Kyle Miller, Dave Paulson and rookie Eric Frohnapfel also will compete for a spot.

Blockers first

Philips and Johnson likely won’t be asked to pick up much of Gates’ slack in the receiving game. At least, they’ve largely been blockers in the NFL to date, including in 2014. Phillips was used as a blocker on 177 of 202 offensive snaps, a rate of 87.6 percent. Johnson blocked on 163 of 180 snaps, a 90.6 percent clip. Phillips’ lone catch was a 1-yard touchdown. Johnson had one reception for four yards.


Production lost

Gates totaled 69 catches for 821 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. That included, for perspective, 17 receptions, 215 yards and three scores the first four weeks. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week after a Week 2 win over the Seahawks in which he caught seven passes for 96 yards and three touchdowns. Gates later joined Cris Carter, Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens as the only players in NFL history to record, at age 34, 12 touchdowns in a season.