The Chargers continue their preseason slate on Sunday against the Saints on their home turf at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.
With the team’s training camp officially over, all starting, depth and roster spots will be won during the next three games.
Here are the 11 most players to keep an eye on this afternoon:
1. QB Easton Stick
The Chargers’ fifth-round selection had a decent game in the preseason opener against the Cardinals. While Stick flashed with his 31-yard rushing touchdown, he did experience a dud moment with the interception thrown straight to Arizona’s defender. Stick and QB Cardale Jones will likely get the majority of the playing time, so we will see if the advantage goes to the rookie once again.
2. OT Trey Pipkins
The Chargers’ third-round selection did not have the most ideal debut last week. Pipkins was beat badly for a sack on one play and he gave up the edge on multiple occasions. Los Angeles had the idea of putting Pipkins as the No. 3 option on the depth chart, but with Okung’s absence, he’s listed as Trent Scott’s backup. The rookie offensive tackle will have to show a little more promise this week, or else the team could be in trouble.
3. LB Drue Tranquill
It didn’t take long for Tranquill to make a statement. The former Notre Dame product made noise in practice and he showed what he’s capable in the preseason opener, where he led the team in tackles (5) and posted the only interception. Tranquill is quickly rising up the depth chart and he will have to continue to perform at a high level to stamp himself as a key sub-package linebacker during the regular season.
4. OL Forrest Lamp
Lamp has been a summer standout, but his starting status is still not a guarantee. The former Western Kentucky product shined as a run-blocker against the Cardinals, but was beat a few times in pass protection. Lamp, who’s likely to play the majority of the game once again today, will have to show improvements in the area he struggled at in the preseason opener if he wants to beat out guard Dan Feeney.
5. WR Artavis Scott
Scott, who has made a lot of noise in training camp, failed to show out against the Cardinals. The former Clemson product had every opportunity to do so with the absences to Travis Benjamin and Andre Patton, but he only recorded a catch for eight yards. Scott is expected to be the No. 4 wideout when the regular season begins, but he will have to show up in the games in order to do so.
6. WR Jason Moore
Moore has been one of the most intriguing undrafted free agents in camp. He only received 21 snaps in the preseason opener, and failed to record a reception. With Keenan Allen out due to an ankle injury, this will lead to more opportunities for him. If he would like to be the UDFA that cracks the final 53-man roster, he needs to make the most of his playing time.
7. S Adrian Phillips
The safety battle got a lot more enticing when the news broke out that Derwin James would miss at least three months due to a foot injury. Phillips is the top option to fill the void. Coach Anthony Lynn didn’t peg him as the solution since they like him in a variety of roles. We will be looking to see if the team does deploy him similar to James.
8. S Jaylen Watkins
Outside of the free safety competition, the strong safety spot is essentially wide open. Phillips sits atop of the list, but Watkins is still an option. He didn’t play in the preseason opener, so this will mark his first live game action since his ACL injury in 2018. We know that he was competing for the starting FS job, but we will be keeping an eye on if he’s used in the box rather than just as the single-high role.
9. DT Jerry Tillery
Tillery is expected to make his preseason debut. The highly anticipated rookie will likely receive the majority of his snaps at the three-technique, but defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said that he could play some strong-side defensive end. Regardless of where he’s lined up, it’ll be nice to get a boost up front with his presence.
10. P Ty Long
Who would’ve thought that there would’ve been a heated battle for the starting punter? Long currently has the advantage, given the fact that he’s been used as the placeholder and he could be used on kick offs. But Long will have to do better than his pair of lackluster punts to fend off undrafted free agent Tyler Newsome.
11. CB Brandon Facyson
Michael Davis has the advantage over Trevor Williams for the No. 2 cornerback slot, but behind them, lies a battle for the final spot at the position. Facyson had a great game against the Cardinals, finishing as Pro Football Focus’ third-highest defender. Facyson could earn a key depth role if he continues to carry that momentum against the Saints.
