The Chargers are getting closer to having to trim their roster to 53 players ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Raiders.
With a handful of starting jobs already locked up, the next two preseason games, including this weekend’s contest against the Rams, will be all about guys on the roster bubble vying for their spots.
That said, here is one offensive player to watch at each position ahead of Saturday’s matchup.
QB: Luis Perez
While Justin Herbert has been sidelined with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot, the offense has struggled during training camp. A lot of it has to do with quarterback play. Easton Stick, who was re-signed to serve as Herbert’s backup, has not done himself any favors with his performances.
Perez, on the other hand, was signed just a week ago, and he has flashed enough to the point where he could push Stick for the job if he keeps stacking good days. The former XFL star led all quarterbacks in passing last weekend with 61 yards.
RB: Kimani Vidal
Heading into training camp, everyone thought it was a near guarantee that Vidal would be a part of the rotation. But now, Vidal finds himself on the roster bubble. In the preseason opener, he suited up for warmups but did not dress for the game. He had been nursing an injury the week leading up to the contest, which likely led to him not playing.
Vidal is a talented back with great vision, contact balance, burst and upside in the passing game. But he must display that in live-game action to try to beat out Isaiah Spiller, who currently has the leg up due to his special teams skills.
WR: Ladd McConkey
Like Vidal, McConkey did not play against the Seahawks, as he had also been dealing with an injury. However, McConkey has been a full participant in practices this week, which points to him making his preseason debut against Seattle.
I don’t know how much he will play, but I’m looking forward to seeing what he showed in college at Georgia and over the past couple of months, with his elite route running, good speed and the ability to create with the football in his hands.
TE: Donald Parham
Parham was seen as the third tight end coming into the summer, but now he finds himself on the roster bubble. The reason is that he hasn’t participated much this summer due to an injury, which has been a concern with Parham.
After missing several practices, Parham had a great day on Tuesday, showing the impact he can make in the passing game. He will not only have to stay healthy and continue to be a reliable target but also show improvement as a blocker.
OL: Foster Sarell
There’s been a battle for the swing tackle spot between Sarell and Alex Leatherwood. And as it stands, Sarell has the leg up. Leatherwood is coming off a poor performance, as he allowed six quarterback pressures. Meanwhile, Sarell had a solid showing and exemplified position flexibility by playing some guard. I’m watching for how he performs along the interior again.
“That’s what he’s aiming for,” Greg Roman said on Sarell playing guard against the Seahawks. “He has a big opportunity. Position flexibility up front is huge. The more he can show that, the better. He’s taken that on in an excited fashion.”