The Chargers return to ROKiT Field at StubHub Center Saturday night when they host the New Orleans Saints. How many snaps each player will receive is unknown, but here are 10 players to keep your eye on throughout the game:
WR JJ Jones – The West Georgia speedster put himself on the map last week on special teams, returning a punt 72 yards to the house. There's no denying Jones' speed as he runs a blazing 4.2 40-yard dash. Jones will look to keep turning heads in the return game, but also wants to prove he can make an impact on offense. He had a solid week of practice against the Saints as a receiver and hopes to continue that success on Saturday.
TE Virgil Green – The veteran's rapport with Philip Rivers continues to grow by leaps and bounds. In fact, number 17 went out of his way to praise Green on Wednesday, noting how his confidence and comfort level with the tight end increases with each practice. Against the Saints at practice, the pair completed a difficult first down conversion on third down that fired up the quarterback.
LB Kyzir White – After an impressive debut in the preseason opener, Head Coach Anthony Lynn said he rested White vs. the Seahawks after the rookie was a bit sore. The West Virginia star returned to practice last week, picking up where he left off by flying all over the field. In addition, White notably had an interception to end a Saints drive.
RB Detrez Newsome – Once again, the 5-10, 210-pound former Western Carolina star will be front and center as he figures to carry the load once again. Newsome ranks 13th in the league with 81 rushing yards and 14th in receptions with seven. He's also 10th among all running backs with 56 receiving yards. Newsome's production in multiple phases should come as no surprise as his 6,969 all-purpose yards are the most in Western Carolina history.
RB Terrell Watson – Signed merely three days prior to the game vs. New Orleans, the former Steeler could see a ton of carries along with Newsome. A 6-1, 240-pound Los Angeles native who has also played for the Eagles, Watson has 14 career carries for 36 yards and one TD.
DE Whitney Richardson – A 6-4, 251-pound product out of Lane College (Tenn.), Richardson was the 2016 Division II Defensive Player of the Year when he racked up 17.5 sacks, 75 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 10 games. The defensive end was consistently in the backfield this week in practice, and now hopes to generate the same pressure Saturday night.
S Rayshawn Jenkins – Derwin James, Jahleel Addae and Adrian Phillips get most of the attention when it comes to the safety spot. However, Jenkins also figures into the rotation. Last year's fourth-round pick's development is even more important in light of Jaylen Watkins' season-ending ACL injury.
QB Cardale Jones – Jones is coming off arguably his best week of practice. He showed off his cannon arm on several occasions, including a bullet over the middle for a 35-yard touchdown to JJ Jones. The Ohio State product is also a dual threat and showed off his wheels on a perfect play-action fake, turning the corner and then going off to the races for a long touchdown run.
CB Jeff Richards – A 6-2, 210-pound cornerback originally acquired off waivers from the Panthers last year, Richards spent most of last season on the Bolts' practice squad. He's mostly flown under the radar this summer, yet leads the team with seven tackles through two games.
DE Isaac Rochell – The Notre Dame product continued his strong summer last week with two sacks against the Seahawks. Joey Bosa is not expected to play vs. New Orleans, meaning Rochell should once again see significant playing time at defensive end.
