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Check here for a full list of San Diego’s roster moves.

Biggest surprise: If there was surprise cut it was Nathan Vasher. The cornerback was supposed by a key backup. But San Diego definitely kept enough defensive players. Of the 53 players on the roster, 29 of them are defensive players. San Diego kept 21 offensive players and three specialists. San Diego has 10 linebackers and 11 defensive backs. The team kept four receivers. That is a very low number. However, all four receivers on the roster – Malcom Floyd, Legedu Naanee, Buster Davis and newly acquired Patrick Crayton -– will be active on game day. Veteran Josh Reed was cut.

No-brainers: The Chargers kept both fullbacks, Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester. Both players are very valuable. San Diego kept two undrafted rookies, linebacker Brandon Lang and tackle Ryan Otterson. Both players were good in training camp and provide depth at key positions.

What’s next: San Diego could look at help at receiver and tackle. The team is officially without holdouts Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill. Jackson could still be traded, and McNeill could still show up to the team. But, for now, it looks like San Diego is heading to the regular season without both Jackson and McNeill, and without any solution in sight. Jackson is essentially going to miss six games because of an NFL suspension and a roster exemption list San Diego put him on. McNeill is facing a three-game wait because he is also on the roster exemption list.

There is a lot going on Saturday as teams cut down their rosters to 53 players, and the movement will only get wilder throughout the day. Let’s catch up on the early developments of the day:

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com is reporting that Denver is cutting defensive lineman Jarvis Green and linebacker Darrell Reid. Green was a free-agent pickup this offseason and Reid was brought in as a free agent last year. Green’s release would be a surprise since he was signed to be a starter this year on Denver’s new-look defensive line. However, he didn’t crack the starting lineup this summer. Perhaps Denver decided to go with youth over a veteran backup. Reid is a special-teamer who has been injured.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting San Diego has cut receiver Josh Reed. That is not a shock. He was signed as insurance earlier this summer, but he never established himself. His fate was sealed when San Diego traded for Patrick Crayton on Friday.

NFL.com is reporting Denver is shopping second-year cornerback Alphonso Smith. The report says Denver wants a fifth-round pick for Smith. In the 2009 draft, Denver traded its 2010 first-round pick (No. 14) to trade up and take Smith at No. 37. He has been a major disappointment. It will be interesting to see if Denver cuts Smith if a trade isn’t worked out.

Schefter reports Washington is cutting Willie Parker. Denver badly needs running backs, but I’m not sure Parker is the answer.

Schefter reports defensive lineman William Joseph is among Oakland’s cuts. He was been on and off Oakland’s roster last year.

Tampa Bay has cut receiver Michael Clayton. Add his name to the list of potential receivers who could attract interest from the AFC West. Each team in the division could use receiver depth.

I couldn’t say it better than Patrick Crayton, who had this to say when he was told he was dealt to San Diego for a seventh-round pick Friday: "San Diego wins in this situation."

Yes, they do, Patrick.

In a very nice move, the Chargers added a veteran presence at receiver by acquiring Crayton from Dallas. The Chargers will owe Dallas a sixth-round pick if Crayton catches 40 or more passes this season. If that’s the case, San Diego will gladly hand over a sixth rounder.

San Diego took advantage of a salary dump by Dallas. Crayton is not a special player, but he deepens Philip Rivers’ options in San Diego.

It is another indication by the Chargers that they are preparing to move on without holdout receiver Vincent Jackson. He is planning to hold out for the entire season at this point. San Diego has been considering trading Jackson, and could deal him at any time.

Crayton will likely be the No.3 or No. 4 receiver in San Diego. He will compete with Buster Davis for the No. 3 job. Davis has had trouble staying healthy since being a first-round pick in 2007. Crayton gives San Diego a credible veteran who makes big catches in a pinch. Without Jackson, San Diego’s receiving crew was talented, but young. Crayton is a strong addition because of his experience.

The trade for Crayton probably means Josh Reed will not make the team. Signed as veteran insurance in June, Reed hasn’t done much and could be jettisoned in lieu of a younger player. With the addition of Crayton, the chances of San Diego adding a receiver through the waiver wire after Saturday lessens.

Teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by Saturday afternoon. The following is a look at one prominent player on each AFC West team who is on the bubble:

Denver: Brandon Stokley, receiver

Why: Matt Willis came through with five catches for 122 yards in the preseason finale at Minnesota on Thursday night, extending his productive preseason. The Broncos might want to go with youth for a backup spot. Stokley, 34, has been a good Bronco for the past three seasons, but his time there may be up.

Kansas City: Alex Magee, defensive lineman

Why: Magee’s case is interesting because he was a third-round pick last year. He has not played well and he has made several mistakes. The only things that may save Magee are his youth and the fact that the Chiefs don’t have a great line. He could get more time to develop.

Oakland: John Henderson, defensive tackle

Why: The speculation in Oakland is that Henderson is on the bubble. I think he will be kept because he can help stop the run for 20-25 plays a game. But it seems clear Henderson, if he makes the team, will not be anything more than a role player.

San Diego: Josh Reed, receiver

Why: Reed was signed this summer to provide veteran depth. He hasn’t been special in training camp and the preseason. San Diego could opt for youth over Reed. Also, don’t be surprised if the Chargers scour the waiver wire for veteran depth at the position in the next few days.

Two days before the San Diego Chargers begin their full-fledged training camp when the veterans join rookies for practices, general manager A.J. Smith is operating under the assumption that the team will be without the services of, at least, two of his top players.

And it may last awhile.

Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson and left tackle Marcus McNeill are expected to hold out for an extended period. Linebacker Shawne Merriman could also hold out, but he is more likely to attend most of training camp.

Speaking about McNeill and Jackson, Smith said in a phone interview Wednesday that he has been told that the two players will be “out for a considerable amount of time.”

Smith said he, at this point, is expecting that both McNeill and Jackson will hold out for the first 10 games of the regular season and then report to accrue an NFL season. Smith admits he is disappointed that both players are likely to hold out for the long-term. Still, Smith said because of the CBA uncertainty the Chargers are reluctant to give out long-term deals.

“I believe they are preparing to withhold their services,” Smith said. “We’re preparing for that. If we get that back after 10 games, then we’ll deal with that. Getting two Pro Bowl-caliber players with six games to go and then potentially the postseason is not a bad thing.

“Whether they come back as starters, role players, or as injury replacements, that remains to be seen and will be up to (coach) Norv Turner … But six games is still a significant part of the season.”

Smith indicated that the Chargers aren’t necessarily standing pat, either. He said the waiver wire will be watched. Plus, Smith has a history of being an active trader. If he sees a situation to help the receiver and tackle positions while these two players are out, I’d bet he’d pursue it. Smith already brought in tackle Tra Thomas and slot receiver Josh Reed to improve the two positions.

Despite the situations, Smith said doesn’t plan to get upset at Jackson or McNeill even if the holdouts drag on.

“It’s their right,” Smith said. “There are other people in their shoes, who are playing, but it is their professional right. I’m not going to say they are bad guys. It’s their decision if they end up staying away.”

I think Smith is taking the right tact by assuming Jackson and McNeill aren’t coming back soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if Merriman shows up soon because his situation is different. Merriman has to play a full season to show he is fully recovered from a 2008 knee injury.

Meanwhile, the Chargers’ top pick Ryan Mathews remains unsigned. I get the indication that the talks could take some time, but there aren’t any major concerns that Mathews will stay away from camp for an extended period of time. The same can’t be said for McNeill and Jackson, and San Diego is preparing for the hold outs to last until the stretch run of the regular season.

» NFC Big Question: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

San Diego's Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson may stage contract holdouts. Is there a chance San Diego general manager A.J. Smith will cave in and give the two players new contracts to avoid the holdouts?

Let’s get to the meat of this quickly. I don’t see any chance that Smith will give in to these two guys.

I think that is the big reason why there is such a dire feel here. I believe everyone involved realizes that Smith is ready to play hardball.

This is a man who doesn’t blink.

If we get to early September and McNeill, a standout left tackle, and Jackson, a Pro Bowl receiver, are still staying away, Smith will simply move forward.

Jackson is well aware that Smith is entrenched and knows if he does stay away from the team (which he plans to do) Smith will be ready for a fight.

There is little chance Smith will give McNeill and Jackson new contracts before training camp to avoid this mess. His stance: If these players don’t want to play for him, he doesn’t want them to play for him.

That’s why he signed Tra Thomas as insurance for a McNeill holdout and Josh Reed as insurance for a Jackson holdout. That’s why when McNeill and Jackson didn’t sign their restricted free-agency tenders by the deadline, Smith said things like “we lost two players today.” He acted as if McNeill and Smith left the league. And if they hold out, they might as well leave the league as far as Smith is concerned.

Smith is a calculated, smart man who is not going to be bullied. He is going to fight his fight.

So, if you think Smith will cave, think again. It won’t happen.

» NFC Big Question: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Can the Chargers still be a serious Super Bowl contender without Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeill?

Earlier in this saga, I asked Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. if he thought San Diego could make a deep playoff run without Jackson and McNeill. Williamson didn’t think so.

I agree that it would be tough. The AFC is stacked and any team that wants to make a serious run will need its full arsenal of players. Having McNeill and Jackson sitting on their couches on Sundays in the fall certainly won’t make San Diego a better team.

Still, if those two players really do hold out into November (the current expectation is that both McNeill and Jackson will hold out for the first 10 games of the season unless they unexpectedly get long-term deals), the Chargers will be tremendously challenged. But barring any major injuries, the team could still stay afloat and regroup for the stretch run.

San Diego (which added tackle Tra Thomas and reserve receiver Josh Reed as insurance for potential holdouts) is pretty loaded on offense. While Jackson is the team’s go-to receiver, quarterback Philip Rivers has plenty of options. He can lean on star tight end Antonio Gates and receivers Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee while Jackson is out. If Thomas is solid and he keeps Rivers upright, the Chargers can maintain. They won’t be as good as they would be with Jackson and McNeill, but, yes, they can survive.

San Diego plays only two teams (Arizona and New England) that made the playoffs in 2009 during the first 10 games of the season. Five of San Diego’s first 10 games are against teams that had losing records last season.

So, it’s manageable. Playing without Jackson and McNeill for the majority of the season is certainly not ideal, but it may not be devastating to San Diego, either.

We had a good race in this week’s “you pick it” competition.

However, the readers have decided the craziness in San Diego is the winner. Star left tackle Marcus McNeill and Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson didn’t sign their restricted free-agent tenders by this week’s deadline and the Chargers lowered their 2010 salaries. San Diego signed tackle Tra Thomas and receiver Josh Reed as insurance for the potential hold outs.

That story edged out Oakland signing defensive tackle John Henderson. The other candidate was Denver star linebacker Elvis Dumervil signing his restricted free-agency tender.

I agree with the readers about the San Diego angle. The Chargers will not be nearly as dangerous without these two players. This story has a long way to develop and many things can still happen, but this is big.

Below are some of your responses. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Joshua Crook from Milwaukee: As much as I think Oakland's signing of John Henderson is huge, (pun intended) the contract fallout in S.D. takes this week again.Without S.D.'s most valuable assets they will have a tough time in 2010. I'm sure these guys will eventually sign, but I am assured that they have polarized the locker room by now. If these players were practicing, the Chargers are on their way down. This could mark the beginning of the end for their title chances and I'm thrilled!

Jake from Phoenix: Though as a Raiders fan I'm excited about John Henderson's signing, the big story is the Chargers preparing to move on without VJack and McNeill. Jackson is likely the best receiver in the division, and may have been even when Marshall was still a Donkey.McNeill, though is the bigger story, IMO. Here's a legit LT stud who's started from the moment he set foot in the NFL. This guy lets your mouthy QB yap to his heart's content. Edge rushers like Elvis Dumerville, Tamba Hali, and Trevor Scott are hoping A.J. stays stubborn so they can motor around Tra Thomas and smack Phyllis Rivers in his mouth.With VJack and McNeill the Chargers are one of the top 3 teams in the league. Without them, they might not sniff the playoffs. A.J. Smith's hardline with two of his most important players could have a huge impact on the upcoming season, and his employment with the Chargers.

Tim H. from Berkeley, Calif.: The storyline of the week for the AFC West most certainly has to be the Raiders addition of DT John Henderson. Although the holdouts in SD can potentially benefit the entire division, I still see them as a playoff team without those two. The Raiders, on the other hand, are on the cusp of a wildcard birth or a 1st place finish in the division. We still lack ideal bodies on the offensive line, but with the addition of Henderson to fill out the front 4, Oakland's defense looks downright scary. Add him to the already growing list of superstars we are developing on defense, and I think it's a perfect fit. He brings veteran savy to a youthful defense with loads of potential. I predict a top 10 finish for Oakland's D this year. Autumn winds bringing a change...

James from Wilmington, N.C.: Even as a Raiders fan, I have to say that San Diego signing stopgaps for Jackson and McNeill to be the storyline this week. This seemed to be the year the stars aligned for a Chargers Superbowl and suddenly two important cogs of the well oiled SD offense threaten to hold out. I won't shed any tears, but I can only imagine how frustrating this is for Chargers fans

Kevin from Lebanon, Ore.: As a Raider's Fan, I love the John Henderson signing, it for a year and they don't pay him a ton. He could really benefit this team. However the story is the Chargers situation. I have said it before in this forum, but this time its over. The Chargers will most likely win the AFC west without Jackson and McNeil, but the Super Bowl dream just ended. I see Tra Thomas not playing the whole season, in which case Phillip Rivers blindside becomes a freeway. If Rivers gets hurt, then the team blames McNeil and Jackson and why not A.J. Smith also. I don't see any way that the Chargers make it to the Super Bowl, which will be a major failure for the season, and the consequences of all of these actions could internally tear the team apart. Oh and by the way, Thanks Chargers! Go Raiders!

Kenny D. from Phoenix., Ariz.: The Thomas/Reed signings are the big story. Salary issues have to boil over to the locker room. With experience and teamwork so important on the o-line and at WR, VJax and McNeill are not easily replaced. Even if they do come back, do they restore faith from their teammates? It's a big distraction for the Dolts - one that the Broncos, McD and, fortunately, Dumervil have been working to avoid

Spencer from Oakland: As a Raiders fan, you've got to love the signing of John Henderson. First, it's a 1 year deal in an uncapped year. Second, it's not like we're going to ask him to be an every down DT. He'll be a situational run stopper - essentially a big body to free up our ends and OLBs. If he's not working out well in training camp, he's easily expendable, but I've got a feeling this guy is going to make some plays for a defense that has been making the correct moves to shore up a notoriously poor run defense. This signing is a much better move than the alternative (a trade for Haynesworth).

Ryan X. Allred from Lynnwood, Wash.: Without a doubt the holdout of Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson, and the reaction of the Charges organization to this situation is the biggest story in the AFC West. The Charges were and still are the clear division favorites, but the loss of these two outstanding players has allowed the rest of the AFC West to close the gap some. The stubbornness of the Charges organization in these matters will be noteworthy in future player negotiations. This may be the beginning of the end of their reign atop the AFC West.

Nick from N.Y., N.Y.: Has to be Jackson and McNeill staying away from SD. These are two cornerstone players on a perennial contender. Jackson is arguably the most important player on that offense aside from Philip Rivers. Josh Reed isn't going to come in and be that type of receiver, and I don't think Malcolm Floyd has the ability Jackson has. McNeill protects the blind side of Rivers, and I don't expect Tra Thomas to be able to hold up in protection the way McNeill can. I think Smith is making a mistake in not negotiating with these guys. These aren't declining players on a rebuilding team. They are players in their prime on a team that has it's open postseason window right now.

Mike from Las Vegas: The story of the week is Doom signing his tender, even though I think the story with SD players holding out is a big deal, I still believe that Dumervil signing his contract is a good leap of faith, with Josh McDaniels. Josh "The Kid" McDaniels is one of the most unpredictable coaches in the league, so only time will tell if Elvis gets his new contract, or is just playing a year for dirt cheap.

Alvaro from Rosarito Beach: It's all about the Chargers and the Vincent Jackson-Marcus Mcneill situation. AJ Smith can say what he wants, but there is a reason why San Diego moved from being LT's team to River's team, and it was the air atack. Now, after doing that, you're not gonna assure that Phillip gets his weapon and protection??Look, you can say that AJ is a tough negotiator and what not, but really, after a couple of season failures, we have to begin to question just how much AJ is compromise to winning and how much is he compromise to being right.A lot has being said about the teams inhability to win or they're window of oportunity closing, but for me, after a couple of decision made, i think that the person in the hot seat, is AJ Smith.

Tom from Dayton, Ore.: Easily San Diego preparing to move on w/out Jackson and McNiel. Those are 2 studs and w/out them San Diego goes from a dynamic offense to an average offense w/ a great QB/TE. San Diego will have to rely more on the run game and even though good things are expected from Mathews he still has to produce on the field not on paper. As a Raiders fan I sure hope A.J. Smith, Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNiel all stand their ground and we don't see them on the field 'til week 10.

Travis from Witchita, Kan.: The storyline of the week has to be the Chargers' Movement. I think that to a certain degree you have to respect AJ Smith, however, without Jackson or McNeill I think this team is severely handicapped. Without those two players this team goes from Superbowl Contender to Playoff hopeful.

Big Mike fromPrairie View, Texas: Henderson to the raiders is huge. Him an Tommy Kelly give me nostalgic feelings for the days of Henderson and Stroud in Jacksonville. That front seven could be very nasty for Mathews, Moreno, and Charles this year. I would have liked to see them acquire Henderson when they sent Morrison though.

Joe from San Francisco: The Raiders signing John Henderson has to be the storyline of the week. The Raiders continue to have a great off season. Bringing in a veteran like Henderson will help the young guys to develop and it will really help the defense stop the run. They have not gone out and over spent for guys but have brought in quality players that will help the team. This is a GREAT move!!!

The candidates:

Chargers movement: San Diego signs tackle Tra Thomas and receiver Josh Reed as insurance in case Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson hold out, as expected.

Dumervil signs tender: Denver star linebacker Elvis Dumervil signs his restricted free-agent tender. He is now under contract for 2010.

Oakland signs Henderson: The Raiders sign former Jacksonville standout defensive lineman John Henderson. He should help with stopping the run.

Choose your story of the week and hit my mailbag with your thoughts. I will post some of your responses later in the week.

The battle lines have been drawn in San Diego.

Marcus McNeill and Vincent Jackson did not sign their restricted free agent tenders by the deadline and the team will reduce their salaries Tuesday. The San Diego Union Tribune reports there is a slight chance one of the two players could relent Tuesday and the parties can come to an 11th hour accord. But that seems unlikely.

It seems that Jackson and McNeill are going to be out for while. They could stay out until the 10th week of the season and then report to get an accrued season. I know, at least in Jackson’s case, he is very comfortable with the idea of sitting out for a long time.

While things do look dire, remember, it is only June and things can change. But, on the other hand, both sides appear dug in.

Jackson and McNeill are said to be prepared for a long holdout. And we all know San Diego general manager A.J. Smith is not one to cave. He’s already signed tackle Tra Thomas and receiver Josh Reed as insurance for the holdouts.

It certainly could get ugly in San Diego and the Chargers’ Super Bowl chances could be affected. There’s no doubt San Diego is not nearly as powerful on offense without these two stars.

But it now seems like the Chargers are going to have to live with the possibility of playing a large chunk of the season without McNeill and Jackson.

There had been some talk this week that San Diego would pursue free agent Terrell Owens as insurance if star receiver Vincent Jackson holds out.

I didn’t see that as a fit and it seems even less likely now that the Chargers have inked former Buffalo receiver Josh Reed as the insurance policy for Jackson. Reed had 27 catches for Buffalo last season. Owens had 55 catches for the Bills.

It is obvious the Chargers don’t want Owens and I think that's a good idea. Here are some reasons why I think Owens, 36, wouldn’t work in San Diego even if Jackson stayed away for a long time:

He’s not a Chargers-type player: The Chargers are built for success. They have a very strong foundation with professional players. Sure, they have a couple of chippy players (especially on defense) but for the most part this is a serious, focused outfit. General manager A.J. Smith wouldn’t have time for Owens’ antics or for his selfish behavior.

This is Philip Rivers’ team: We all know Owens’ history with quarterbacks. That stuff wouldn’t fly with Rivers -- the unabashed leader of this team. Rivers' teammates like and respect him and they play hard for him. It wouldn’t be taken well by anyone (Rivers included) if Owens started whining after an errant throw. Rivers isn't the type to sit back and let Owens try to dictate the show. It could be an ugly mix.

They don’t need him: Sure, the Chargers will be much better with Owens than without him, but there is other firepower on this offense. There’s star tight end Antonio Gates, there’s running backs Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles, there’s receivers Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee. The Chargers aren’t desperate for offense. That’s the only reason why you’d bring in Owens at this point.

So, unless things change drastically, don’t expect him to be wearing a Chargers uniform anytime soon.

Two days after the San Diego Chargers obtained some insurance at left tackle, they did the same at receiver.

It’s no coincidence.

The Chargers are preparing for potential holdouts by left tackle Marcus McNeill and receiver Vincent Jackson and sending the message that they will move on. After signing tackle Tra Thomas on Wednesday, San Diego inked former Buffalo receiver Josh Reed.

Reed gives San Diego depth whether Jackson reports or not. Thomas will likely be the starter if McNeill stays away. Both Jackson and McNeill are restricted free agents who are expected to hold out if they are not given long-term deals. San Diego is not prepared to give either player a new contract at this point.

The signings of Thomas and Reed are smart because the Chargers realize they have to be proactive. They identified the two available players they most think will help if their starters don’t show and they signed them.

Still, don’t expect too much from Reed. He is a depth guy and is probably not a better option than No. 3 receiver Legedu Naanee, who would likely take Jackson’s spot in the lineup if Jackson holds out. Reed, a second-round draft pick in 2002, has 311 career catches for 3,575 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Reed can help San Diego, but just don’t expect him to be a quality starter in Jackson’s absence.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

Raiders safety Gibril Wilson was fined $5,000 by the NFL as a result of play in which he was disqualified from Oakland's 24-23 loss at Buffalo on Sunday.

He was fined for unnecessarily striking an opponent in the head area on a run play. Wilson, in his first season with Oakland after signing as a free agent from the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, threw Buffalo receiver Josh Reed to the ground and slamming his palm against Reed's helmet after a play in which Reed blocked him on a Marshawn Lynch touchdown as Buffalo made a fourth-quarter comeback.

Meanwhile, Jets running back Thomas Jones was not fined for a low block on San Diego defensive lineman Luis Castillo in the Chargers' 48-29 win over New York on Monday night. Castillo lay on the grass for several moments after the hit. He did return to the game. The Chargers sent the play to the NFL for review.