Kelley is listed behind both Justin Jackson and Larry Rountree on the team's first official depth chart release, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.
It's a pretty jarring statement considering the Chargers drafted Kelley in the fourth round just one year ago, but it reflects what occurred towards the end of 2020 when the rookie was a healthy scratch in two of the final four games. Rountree often has been mentioned as a legitimate short-yardage threat, giving the 2021 sixth-round pick a more defined role than Kelley and adding yet another strike against the latter's quest towards retaining a roster spot. At this point, Kelley might need an excellent preseason in order to claim a spot on the active roster, much less the coveted backup role behind stalwart Austin Ekeler.