San Diego, CA -- (Sports Network) - Outside linebacker Carlos Polk and fifth- round Draft choice Marcus Thomas were among 20 players released as the San Diego Chargers trimmed their roster to the 53-player maximum on Saturday.

Polk played in 64 regular season games as a member of the Chargers from 2001 through 2007, but the 2001 fourth-round Draft choice out of Nebraska sustained shoulder and knee injuries while missing six games a year ago and could not crack the 2008 roster.

Thomas, meanwhile, failed to make waves on a crowded running back depth chart that already includes LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, and highly-regarded rookie Jacob Hester. The ex-UTEP star carried 32 times for 121 yards during the 2008 preseason.

Other players excised by the Bolts on Saturday were linebacker Antwan Applewhite, linebacker Eric Bakhtiari, wide receiver Gary Banks, safety Tra Battle, cornerback Josh Bell, tight end Wade Betschart, safety Brian Bonner, running back Eldra Buckley, defensive end Andre Coleman, defensive tackle Lamar Divens, guard Brandyn Dombrowski, defensive end Keith Grennan, defensive tackle Keith Jackson, wide receiver Mark Jones, tackle Tyler Luellen, linebacker Terna Nande, tackle Tony Pape, and guard Erik Robertson.

Notables among that group include Jones, who was trying to win a job on special teams after appearing in 29 games as a member of the Buccaneers from 2005 through 2007.

In another move, the Chargers placed second-year tight end Scott Chandler (toe) on season ending injured reserve.

San Diego will open its season on Sept. 7, when it hosts the Carolina Panthers.