On Saturday, the Los Angeles Chargers will have their first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. Although the starting lineup has not yet been decided, we take a look at some key players who may be in the mix.
6 players to watch in the Los Angeles Chargers’ first preseason game
1. AJ Finley, security
Finley has made quite a splash in the first few weeks of camp. On day seven, Los Angeles Chargers writer Eric Smith noted that Finley had intercepted one pass and made one interception in seven-on-seven.
Daniel Popper from The athlete noted that Finley has received some playing time in the first team and is always there when Safety Derwin James was relocated to other areas.
Finley has also been involved on special teams, so I’m excited to see him in action in this first game with these new kickoff rules. The third safety spot is still up, so he could showcase his skills in the upcoming matchup.
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2. Brenden Rice, wide receiver
Rice’s name has come up quite a bit in camp observations, as he caught several passes, including, according to Smith, “a big yardage gain on an over-the-shoulder catch down the left sideline” on day three.
On the fourth day, Popper reported that Rice scored a 35-yard touchdown on a pass from quarterback Easton Rackets.
Given the production of receivers such as DJ Chark And Ladd McConkeyIt’s harder to gauge where Rice fits in this position group. He seems to have gotten off to a good start and these preseason games could give him a clearer role.
3. Justin Eboigbe, Defensive player
Drafted 105th in the fourth round, Eboigbe is a name that wasn’t mentioned much during training camp. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Eboigbe had career-highs in areas such as defensive snaps played (657), sacks (seven), hurries (18) and STOPS (31) during his final year at Alabama.
The Chargers lack reliable run defenders, so Eboigbe is desperately needed. I’m curious to see if we’ll see more of his pass rush or run defense on Saturday.
4. Max Duggan, quarterback
I definitely expect Duggan to get some playing time in this upcoming preseason matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, as he played in most of the preseason games last year. His preseason play in 2023 was typical for a rookie.
In the first game, he was under a lot of pressure and had to accept several sacks. And in the second matchup, he did not play, as the former head coach Brandon Staley wanted to give Stick the reps. His last game was his best with some runs and a touchdown to the tight end Hunter Kampmoyer.
Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman said after practicing together against the Rams that they might work more on designed runs with Duggan, so I expect to see more of that in this first game.
Duggan had some flashes of glory during camp, including a throw to Rice on day three where Popper said “Duggan has shown an overall improvement in arm strength and speed so far in camp.” Duggan also had a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jaylen Johnson on the sixth day.
Although Duggan did not play in the 2023 regular season, after a year in the NFL and two weeks of training camp, it would be a good sign if his play in live game situations had improved.
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5. Brenden Jaimes, offensive lineman
Popper reported on the ninth day that Jaimes will step in as the sixth lineman since Guard Jamaree Salyer is out of practice. Jaimes has spent time as a guard and center.
Roman said that while Jaimes has played a lot at center, it’s important that he plays both positions because he needs the flexibility of that position. I expect Jaimes to play a little bit at center during preseason play since that’s where he’s listed on the released unofficial roster.
Jaimes has been with the Chargers for a few years now, and the most snaps he has ever played were in 2023, when he started three games at center. The Chargers don’t have much depth behind Bradley BozemanSo if Jaimes plays center in the preseason game, hopefully he will show that he is up to the task of being a competent backup.
6. Isaiah Spiller, running back
I’ve written extensively about Spiller over the past few years and the preseason is usually the time when he shines, especially in these tryouts. The running back room is loaded with rookies and veterans and after some disappointing seasons in the NFL due to injuries and lack of opportunities, these preseason games could be crucial for Spiller.
