The Chargers are at the halfway point of the 2019 preseason. While most starter jobs have been stamped, the competition to earn a depth role or a spot on the 53-man roster is heating up.
There are some that have stood out, some that have been inconsistent and others that have a steep climb up.
Here are four players that are on the roster bubble that must have a solid performance on Saturday to stay in contention for their jobs:
QB Cardale Jones
As coach Anthony Lynn said, Jones is coming off his best performance in a Chargers uniform yet. But that doesn’t necessarily mean he has a roster spot solidified. Jones needs to show that he can carry the momentum against Seattle in order to fend off the rookie Easton Stick.
In our latest 53-man roster projection, we still have Stick earning the last quarterback spot simply because he’s younger and is slightly more appealing than Jones. Still, that doesn’t mean Stick is a lock. Jones will have to play like he did last weekend if he wants to remain on the roster.
RB Detrez Newsome
There’s officially a competition for the third running back spot between Newsome and Troymaine Pope. After last Sunday’s game, Pope has the slight advantage over Newsome after showing his home-run play ability and special teams value.
Newsome, who was nearly a lock for RB3 entering camp, is fighting for his job. His first two performances in the preseason were not so appealing. Newsome rushed for 13 yards on five carries in the first contest and 17 yards on five rushes this past weekend.
Pope’s showing on the ground hasn’t been that enticing either, though. If Pope can show he’s more of a running back rather than a special teams ace and reliable receiver out of the backfield, Newsome could be on the outside looking in.
WR Andre Patton
Patton’s performance against the Saints, which landed him on Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week helped his case, but it didn’t necessarily solidify a spot for him. The addition of Dontrelle Inman made it more challenging for Patton, as it adds another player that will likely automatically take up a roster spot.
The reason why Patton is on the roster bubble is because Geremy Davis is a near lock because of his familiarity with the offense and he offers special teams value. This means that the last spot will come down to Scott and Artavis Scott. Scott has the slight advantage right now. It’s not by much, so with a solid performance Patton could be trending towards the final slot.
DE Chris Peace
The Chargers are loaded with pass rushers, and they’re likely to only keep four. That means it’ll come down to Peace and Anthony Lanier, knowing that Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram and Isaac Rochell are near locks to make the 53-man roster.
Both Peace and Lanier have been phenomenal this summer, each showing a lot of promise rushing the passer and defending the run. The reason why the undrafted free agent out of Virginia is on the roster bubble is because Peace was unable to play this past weekend and Lanier stole the spotlight from him.
In order for Peace to steal the last spot, he must perform the way he did in the preseason opener against the Cardinals and he has to stay healthy, as he’s been with a groin injury.
