Roster cuts on Norv Turner’s mind as Chargers preseason ends

For Chargers hopefuls, Friday wasn’t the day of reckoning. It was the day before the day of reckoning.

With the NFL mandated roster cut deadline set for Saturday afternoon, evaluating the performances of borderline Chargers players — not necessarily the 26-7 win over San Francisco — was the focus for head coach Norv Turner as the Chargers wrapped up preseason play.

Related: Chargers sans stars beat Niners 26-7

“It’s hard to sit down with an individual,” Turner said of going through cut day. “For me that part of it’s hard. But it’s the best day of the year for me, because it’s the day you start and your team’s finalized.”

A handful of players were given a chance to shine against the 49ers and did. Others — well, not so much.

Most notable was running back Michael Bennett. A nine-year veteran, Bennett got the ball early and often. With LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles sitting out, Bennett got the bulk of the first-half carries and delivered with a solid performance.

His eight carries for 30 yards were far from spectacular, but he consistently set the Chargers up in good down and distance situations.

His 25-yard scamper on a screen pass was one of the highlights of the night.

“I felt pretty good,” Bennett said. “I’m glad I got a chance to get in there and get situated.

“My thing is, I try go go out with a good feeling whether I’m here or not and leave a great impression with the organization and the fans. If I’m still here, then it worked out, but if not, then who knows.”

Considering his veteran status, solid preseason play and 106-yard, one-touchdown performance last week against Atlanta, Bennett seems a no-brainer to make the cut.

But the Chargers are loaded at running back and there are only so many roster spots.

Tomlinson and Sproles obviously aren’t going anywhere. The Chargers used a fourth-round pick on Gartrell Johnson, who looked good as well with 85 yards on 20 carries. He’s a virtual lock to make the team, leaving a fourth running back spot expendable.

“There’s been a lot of speculation which way we’re going to go,” Turner said of Bennett. “We’re going to have to get in there tomorrow and make decisions. Michael Bennett has been impressive during this training camp.”

If Bennett doesn’t make the cut, he’ll surely latch on to an NFL squad early in the season.

Fullback Mike Tolbert likely won’t sleep well Friday night. A starter as a rookie in 2008, Tolbert lost his job to Jacob Hester after an injury and never gained it back.

He didn’t arrive to camp in the best of shape and had a minimal impact on Friday’s game (1 run, 5 yards, 1 reception, six yards). The starting job is still squarely in Hester’s court.

Receiver Gary Banks took over Sproles’ punt return duties and looked good with a pair of returns that went for 11 and 20 yards.

He also caught two balls for 34 yards, including a 15-yarder in the red zone that ended with his taking a brutal hit from his blind side.

Despite his impressive performance, Banks faces a stiff challenge with a stacked stable of receivers in front of him.

Undrafted rookie cornerback Antonio Smith did not look good. He got beat around the edge for a big 49ers gain on the ground and lost the ball in pass coverage, allowing a 33-yard completion.

Third-year Chargers linebacker Brandon Siler didn’t help his cause when he lost sight of a crossing route from Jason Hill while sitting in a zone that ended in a San Francisco touchdown.

As for players that have nothing to worry about on cut day, rookie Larry English brought the heat in his home debut, getting to the quarterback on numerous occasions.

He missed most of training camp and the first two preseason games with a hamstring injury, but looks ready to live up to his reputation as a dangerous pass rusher.

And for the biggest question that preseason brings, the Chargers are in relatively good health with the regular season around the corner. Linebacker Kevin Burnett had a scare when a stinger left him lying limp on the field in the first half.

But he walked off the field on his own, and Turner said after the game that he’s in good shape.

With no major injuries to report for any of the Chargers key players, the news is good for San Diego fans anticipating the season opener against Oakland.

Jason Owens is the SDNN sports editor. Email him: jason.owens (at) sdnn.com.

Tags: Chargers, San Diego Chargers, SDNN

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