https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2023/08/24/chargers-49ers-preseason-players-to-watch-elijah-dotson-max-duggan/

Alex Insdorf
August 24, 2023 2:19 pm PT

The final Chargers’ preseason game takes place on Friday in San
Francisco as they take on the 49ers. Just four days later on the 29th,
Los Angeles will announce their final 53-man roster after final cuts.

For a lot of roster bubble Chargers, this will be their last chance to
make an impression on the coaching staff with training camp wrapped up.
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Here are seven players to watch:

RB Elijah Dotson

Dotson burst onto the scene in Week 1 of the preseason with nearly 100
yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. Against the Saints, he didn’t
manage to keep that momentum. The physicality in his runs still showed,
but Dotson finished the game with just 21 yards on six carries. On the
final drive, Dotson also had two critical drops on passes from Easton Stick.

I’d maintain that Dotson still has a shot at the final 53-man roster,
but the outlook isn’t quite as rosy as it was after Week 1. The question
for the Niners game is if the North Colorado product can put a
performance that makes the Chargers keep a fourth running back as
opposed to placing him on the practice squad.

QB Max Duggan

According to Brandon Staley, “the flow of the game” was what kept Easton
Stick on the field for all four quarters last week. Duggan did not get a
chance to play against the Saints.

Considering that the tradition of the third preseason game tends to be
playing fewer of the second-string starters than in the first two games,
Duggan should get some significant run in this one. My guess is that the
Chargers will stick with what they did in the first preseason game and
play both quarterbacks in separate halves.

Staley also inferred that keeping three quarterbacks is not set in stone
with his “every year is a new year” comment. While I’m not sure that
there’s much of a chance of Duggan actually being left off the roster
given the new quarterback rule, a standout performance from the TCU
product wouldn’t hurt him.

TE Stone Smartt

The Chargers had three tight ends in the bottom five of their PFF
offensive grades last week. Stone Smartt was not one of them. While Tre’
McKitty and Donald Parham have both underperformed in the preseason,
Smartt has played fairly well.

Smartt did get significant enough playing time last year to infer that
the coaching staff could give him a look for one of their final roster
spots if he impresses on Friday. The Chargers certainly need all the
help they can get behind Gerald Everett as it currently stands. How safe
McKitty’s seat is and how much they want to test the tight end market
will be pivotal questions for Smartt.

WR John Hightower

Hightower had a rather disappointing preseason debut last week.
Hightower had just one reception for ten yards and came up short on some
of the routes that Stick intended to throw. Some of the deep shots
weren’t there because of the pass protection with the offensive line,
but it was still a far-from-ideal performance even with that consideration.

Hightower will probably remain a favorite for the practice squad
regardless of his performance simply because he’s been in the system. He
does have irreplaceable speed. But it feels like his chances of making
the roster are dwindling with a rough preseason game and Jalen Guyton
getting ready to return. Let’s see what he does in San Francisco.

S Raheem Layne

JT Woods took advantage of his “prove it” game as lead safety last week
with a good effort. Against San Francisco, I’d figure we see less of him
and more of Layne in a starting role. So far, Layne has been an improved
tackler on both defense and special teams.

In particular, I’d like to see Layne get some reps where he gets tested
in coverage a few times.

RT Zack Bailey

Bailey has shown up with good performances for multiple weeks in the
preseason now at right guard. The question for the final preseason
matchup at San Francisco is whether the Chargers could kick him back
outside for some reps at right tackle.

Foster Sarell has been up and down at points and Austen Pleasants has
been largely unplayable when it comes to the tackle spots. Perhaps the
Chargers believe Bailey’s long-term NFL future is inside, but I’d like
to see some semblance of good competition for the swing tackle spot.

DT CJ Okoye

Friday will probably represent the last chance for Chargers fans to see
CJ Okoye in 2023 given the nature of the International Player Program.
He’ll likely be stashed on the practice squad as an extra body for the
purposes of the regular season.

Every time Okoye has played this preseason, it’s just hard to believe
it’s his first time playing professional football. Okoye followed up the
sack against the Rams with another pressure, two tackles, and a run stop
vs. New Orleans. He seems to only be gaining more confidence in himself
as a football player and he’ll get quality playing time vs. the Niners.