Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh likes to employ a fullback in his offense, but no fullbacks made the 53-player regular-season roster. Instead, defensive lineman Scott Matlock will be filling the role.
The Chargers have published their Week One depth chart, which shows the 6-foot-4, 296-pound Matlock as their starting fullback as well as a backup interior defensive lineman.
A 2023 sixth-round pick, Matlock played only defense and special teams, not offense, as a rookie last season. But Harbaugh arrived this year and liked Matlock’s potential to contribute on offense, as he did at Boise State, where he was primarily a defensive tackle but also lined up as a goal line tight end and caught two touchdown passes.
Matlock will not be the NFL’s first hybrid fullback/defensive lineman. Harbaugh’s brother, John Harbaugh, has played Patrick Ricard at both positions. But it’s unusual for a player to play both positions.
Last year Matlock wore jersey No. 99, but the Chargers have announced that his new jersey number will be No. 44.
