Overview
- The Chargers cut veteran punter J.K. Scott during initial 53-man moves and NFL reporter Tom Pelissero said the release is expected to be temporary with Scott likely to return this week.
- Reports conflict on the mechanics of his return because one outlet says vested veterans are exempt from waivers while another says the team plans to wait for him to clear waivers.
- The move leaves Los Angeles without a rostered punter for the moment and the team is relying on an upcoming roster transaction to restore special-teams depth.
- Coaches pointed to Scott’s uneven preseason, including an 83-yard punt-return touchdown and a short punt in the finale that drew Jim Harbaugh’s public criticism, as factors in the decision.
- The maneuver reflects cutdown-day roster tradeoffs as the Chargers preserved specialists Cameron Dicker and Josh Harris and kept extra offensive-line depth while accepting short-term special-teams risk.