The Chargers are set to host the Saints at Dignity Health Sports Park in the second preseason match of 2019 on Sunday afternoon.
As we reach the halfway mark of preseason, there’s a slight chance that we get a longer look at the starters than Week 1 against the Cardinals. Even if they don’t play them at all, there’s still a few players to keep an eye on.
With that, here are three things to watch for in the second preseason game against New Orleans.
DT Jerry Tillery
It appears that the Chargers’ first-round selection is going to make his preseason debut on Sunday. Tillery underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum back in March and the team had been easing him back into it. He was a full participant last weekend and all signs are indicating that he should see the field.
It’s uncertain how much playing time he will receive, but we are intrigued to see the talent that he displayed at Notre Dame against NFL competition. Tillery will likely line up at the three-technique for the most part, but defensive coordinator Gus Bradley did say that he wants to see him play as a strong-side defensive end.
Wide receivers
Keenan Allen is dealing with an ankle injury, and he is expected to miss the remainder of preseason. His absence means that more opportunities will be presented that are looking to work their way up the depth chart or simply secure a spot on the roster.
Last week, the positional group was very underwhelming. With Travis Benjamin and Andre Patton out, the rest of the group had the chance to rise to the occasion, but none weren’t other than Malachi Dupre and Jordan Smallwood, who combined for three catches and 52 yards.
The camp standouts, Artavis Scott, Geremy Davis and Jason Moore will be most monitored, specifically.
Safeties
The Chargers suffered a huge loss after finding out that Derwin James will be out for about three to four months after sustaining a foot injury. Behind James, the positional group has some players that can be relied upon, but who will step up and where will they be lined up is the biggest question.
Many are expecting Adrian Phillips to fill in for him, but coach Anthony Lynn doesn’t want to make it permanent since he also serves as the team’s dime linebacker. Other than Phillips, there is Rayshawn Jenkins, Jaylen Watkins and Nasir Adderley (who isn’t playing).
Seeing which players are lined up where and who’s getting the majority of the playing time will be something that we’re keeping an eye on. Also, another key to watch is will an undrafted free agent like Roderic Teamer Jr., a camp standout, step up in live game action.
