Heading into week 2 of the 2024 preseason, many questions still need to be answered regarding the Los Angeles Chargers. The team has made many signings over the last week like Luis Perez, Tear Tart, and Tucker Fisk.
These preseason games are where the NFL world gets to see what these new signings and the borderline roster players are made of. With this knowledge, teams can decide who makes the teams, and which rookies will start. With this in mind, here are four players to watch in the Los Angeles Chargers’ second preseason game vs. the crosstown Rams.
Players to watch: Brenden Rice | WR
Brenden Rice is undoubtedly the most intriguing player in this game against the Rams. The seventh-round pick looked very impressive against the Seahawks. Rice consistently got open against the Seattle secondary. The only reason this performance didn’t show up on the stat sheet is because he didn’t get the ball when he got open. Assuming the coaching staff doesn’t play Easton Stick as long as they did in week one, the NFL world may get a great first look at what Brenden Rice can do with a competent quarterback.
Luis Perez | QB
The Chargers QB situation is the hottest discussion piece heading into the season. With Justin Herbert out with an injury that has people wondering how he will play when he returns, the Bolts need a real backup QB option. Against the Seahawks, the staff learned that Easton Stick is not capable of quarterbacking this offense if Herbert is out.
However, they may have signed the answer last week with former UFL passing leader Luis Perez. Perez looked promising in the Seahawks matchup but didn’t get the time to prove himself. Saturday is huge in deciding how to handle this situation. On one hand, Perez looks good and they can stick with him until Herbert is ready. On the other, Perez doesn’t look good and they have to look back into Free Agency for another option.
Joe Alt | RT
Being the fifth overall pick inherently comes with high expectations. Joe Alt is no exception, with Chargers fans hoping he helps make the offensive line elite. Alt is off to a good start, making a minimal amount of mistakes against the Seahawks.
If he can continue this play against the Rams, fans could go into the season knowing that their first-round pick will likely be among the best rookies in football. Especially if Justin Herbert returns from his less mobile foot injury, more pocket time will be much appreciated. Couple that with a stronger run game stemming from a better line, and the Chargers will be in business if Joe Alt pans out.
Tarheeb Still | CB
Lastly, Tarheeb Still is one to watch vs. the Rams. The rookie corner is going to make the roster, but he has the potential to fly up the depth chart if he continues playing well. Going against a Rams team that loves to use their receivers (even without Kupp and Puka playing), Still will be in a great position to show off his skill and how good he may be. On another note, he is also competing for the slot corner spot with Ja’Sir Taylor, and preseason will be the way he gets the best opportunities to take that spot for week one.
By Adam Kerr
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