Just a brief overview of Chargers cuts and moves to get to the 53 man roster:

Surprise Cuts
Andrew Pinnock who did a fine job filling in for LoNeal last year got cut.  He was recuperating from micro-fracture surgery and the rookie Tolbert just came in and drank his milkshake.

Carlos Polk, linebacker and special teams tackler, you may remember him for causing the fumble in the first game of last year between Denver and San Diego on a kick off return.  This is a sad one for Chargers fans as he had great attitude and has been with the Bolts for eight years.

Players moved to IR:

Scott Chandler our reserve tight end who had taken most snaps with the first team in case Gates was unable to start with his toe injury.  Ironically Chandler broke his toe in the last preseason game.

Cory Withrow was also injured in the final game against the 49ers, he will be out for the season.

Surprise adds

DeJuan Tribble was our sixth rounder and I was surprised to see him make the squad.  A cornerback out of BC, he had some nice PD's but I just didn't see him making the cut.  I thought Tra Battle at safety looked better, but he went to the practice squad.

Cory Clark our seventh rounder made the cut, hadn't really heard or seen much of him in camp or in the games, but we are thin on the Oline. 

Michael Tolbert, an undrafted free agent just came in and blew people away at Fullback.  Soft hands, knocks people back as a lead blocker and a good power runner with a great stiff arm.  Only 5'9", but 240 pounds, that low center of gravity really works for him.  Not only found a spot on the squad, but cracked the starting line up.

Claimed off waivers

Marcus Thomas was picked up by the Lions, it looks like they are also going after Rudi Johnson.  Thomas had moments in the preseason, but was inconsistent.  I would have to say the same for Hester, but it's a good bet that all hell would have broken loose if Turner dropped Hester.

DT Lamar Divens got picked up by the Ravens.  A NT with a lot of upside, down the line I think this one may sting.  This guy looked great in the preseason, I miss him already.

Signed off waivers

Kris Wilson, a second round draft choice from KC, he had signed with the Eagles but they released him.  Reportedly better as a run blocker than a receiver, hopefully he won't see the field very often.  Charlie Joiner coached him in KC, so hopefully he is something of a known quantity.  He has also lined up at FB some, so I suppose he provides some depth there, but this is not a very exciting pickup.

The Bolts also picked up guard Kynan Forney from the Atlanta Falcons.  The fact that he is a guard seems to indicate that the Chargers are feeling better about Center Nick Hardwick coming back and perhaps a little queasy about how long Marcus McNeill is taking in getting over his neck stinger.  Forney was a starter last year for the Falcons, but lost his starting job this year, apparently it was a close battle though.  This appears to be a fine pick up for depth.  One interesting development in McNeill's absence is that most long runs are going right now.