Week 2 of preseason play is on deck as the Chargers host the Rams on Saturday.
Kick off is at 4:05 p.m. (PT) from SoFi Stadium. The over/under for Saturday's game is 33.5 points.
"The big thing about these games is that you have to look at them from an individual standpoint with this player and how he performed," Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman said this week. "You build that and get a chance to put your roster together."
Here are five Chargers to watch on Saturday:
Ladd McConkey
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Thursday that big-name players such as Justin Herbert, Derwin James, Jr., Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa will not play Saturday.
But Harbaugh noted that he expects McConkey to play, which means the first chance to see the rookie second-round pick in action.
McConkey missed practice time earlier in camp but has flashed since returning while working with multiple quarterbacks on the first-team offense.
The wide receiver is known for his shiftiness and route running ability, something that has been on display when he's been on the practice field.
Now the 34th overall pick in the draft gets a chance to shine in live action. Keep an eye on McConkey, who could end up being one of the Bolts best wide receivers this season.
Foster Sarell
The Chargers starting offensive line is set with Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins III and Joe Alt.
Jordan McFadden has been used frequently on offense while Jamaree Salyer, although currently injured, also is a key piece of the line.
The final few roster spots could come down to versatility, which is where Sarell comes in.
According to Pro Football Focus, Sarell played 12 snaps at left tackle Saturday against Seattle. But he also played 15 snaps at right guard and 20 snaps at right tackle.
"That's what he's aiming for and he's got a big opportunity," Roman said. "Position flexibility up front, as we all know, is huge.
"The more he can show that, the better," Roman added. "It's another huge week for him. But he's taken it on in an exciting fashion."
If Sarell can provide versatility while also playing well, it could go a long way in helping him make the 53-man roster.
Troy Dye
Dye isn't likely isn't to crack the starting lineup, not with Denzel Perryman and Daiyan Henley in line to start with rookie Junior Colson starting to work his way into form, too.
But Dye provided a spark with a sack in Saturday's preseason opener and will also be a core special teams player this season.
Let's see if he can keep making plays on defense while helping Chargers Special Teams Coordinator Ryan Ficken — the two were together with the Vikings — keep the Bolts special teams group elite for the third straight season.
Isaiah Spiller
Perhaps the most hotly contested position battle on the roster lies at running back.
While Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are likely to get the lion's share of the carries this season, the Bolts will still need one (or two) more running backs to help on offense and special teams.
Harbaugh mentioned Spiller in his Saturday postgame press conference and noted he was "pleased" with his performance, especially in the finer details of the game.
Roman said the battle for the third running back spot will come down to just that in the next two weeks.
"We'd like to get them more opportunities to tote the rock," Roman said. "But everything they do when they don't have the ball is important, too.
"Pass protection, routes, all that stuff. It's an exciting week for them," Roman added.
Matt Hankins
Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter raved about Hankins earlier this week.
"He's smart, tough, knows how to play football, he's around the ball," Minter said. "You don't have to tell him very many things more than once. You enjoy coaching players when you give them a coaching point or something that they take it and it happens very quick.
"He's like that and has a very serious approach about his game," Minter added. "He's got a lot of versatility, he's lining up all over the secondary for us trying to create value for himself. He's had a good camp."
Hankins spent last season on the Chargers practice squad but has flashed in practice in recent weeks, including when he had an intercepted on the goal line of a red-zone drill.
Hankins played 56 defensive snaps against the Seahawks and could be in for more extensive work against the Rams.
