Football season is back in San Diego and so it our weekly Three Players To Watch segment. First off, the guys we will not be watching. The Chargers won’t have the following players on the field for their preseason opener in Tennessee against the Titans:
#3 - WR Rico Richardson
#12 - WR Travis Benjamin
#16 - WR Tyrell Williams
#33 - CB Greg Ducre
#57 - ILB Jatavis Brown
#73 - C Spencer Pulley
#74 - G Orlando Franklin
#81 - WR Javontee Herndon
#91 - DT Zamir Carlis
#95 - DT Tenny Palepoi
#98 - NT Sean Lissemore
There are some notable omissions on that list, the largest being Orlando Franklin and Travis Benjamin. Both are slated to be starters for the regular season. Kenny Wiggins and Dontrelle Inman step in to the starting lineup in their absence.
But this is the exhibition season. The starters are not going to be on the field very much anyway. This is where we start to fall in love with the guys who don’t have spots on the roster locked up. Let’s start with the guy who will be throwing the ball after Philip Rivers leaves. And after Kellen Clemens leaves. And after Zach Mettenberger leaves.
Mike Bercovici, QB
This kid has looked awfully impressive in practice. An undrafted free agent out of Arizona State, Bercovici has shown a big arm and surprising accuracy. With a good outing against the Titans he could start to lay claim to the backup role behind Philip Rivers, or at least a practice squad spot.
Darius Philon, DE
Philon could make us all forget about Joey Bosa. The second-year man from Arkansas played well as a rookie despite missing time with an injury and has already become a favorite of the defensive coaching staff. Darius has a chance to give us all the same impression.
Dom Williams, WR
Another undrafted free agent from the Pac-12 (Washington State), Williams had a 5th-round grade from a lot of scouting services. He has size, good hands and is already a decent route runner. With Stevie Johnson out for the year and four other wideouts not available this is his chance to make a good impression and try to earn a place on the 53-man.
