With about 90 minutes to go until kickoff, the Chargers dropped their first inactives list of the 2026 season.
The five players who will not suit up for the Bolts this week are safety R.J. Mickens, cornerback Deane Leonard, rookie offensive linemen Logan Taylor and Alex Harkey, and veteran offensive lineman Trevor Penning.
Mickens is the only real surprise on the list as he was seemingly beginning the season as the team’s fourth safety behind Derwin James, Elijah Molden, and Tony Jefferson. However, it looks like the Chargers are preferring rookie Genesis Smith to be active for game day.
The Chargers kept 11 offensive lineman on their final 53-man roster so the expectation is that there’d be multiple inactives from the group every week. That came to fruition with three players sitting out while they dress eight against the Cardinals.
