What Artavis Scott needs to do to make Chargers roster
Heading into the Chargers’ final preseason game, what will wide receiver Artavis Scott have to show to earn his place on the 53-man roster?
Artavis Scott was expected to be a part of a deep receiver room for the Chargers heading into the season. However, with the play of Andre Patton and the addition of Dontrelle Inman, Scott must do something to stand out and take the fifth or sixth spot.
One may strictly look at the numbers so far during the preseason and think Scott should be able to secure a roster spot fairly easily, favored over both Patton and Geremy Davis after having solid games against both the Saints and Seahawks. The question is, what exactly will head coach Anthony Lynn be looking for to keep Scott on the team?
One thing Scott has been missing thus far: Touchdowns. Through three years with the Chargers, the former Clemson receiver has yet to log a single score. Establishing himself as a red zone threat and working his way into the end zone at least once this week against the 49ers would dramatically increase his value.
Along with that, Scott proving himself to be a serviceable return man this week could really help his cause, as it’ll help to take the load off of corner Desmond King for some punt returns and provide another return man on kickoffs for added depth. With King likely featured more on defense with the loss of Derwin James, it’s possible the team will rotate their All-Pro returner with another player to keep him fresh.
Both scoring and special teams availability will help give him an edge over Patton on the receiving end and Davis on special teams that will make it all but impossible to leave him off of the roster at the start of the season.
Related Story. The case for Andre Patton to be on 53-man roster
If Scott can find a way to establish himself as a red zone favorite, as well as a serviceable return threat, he’ll make a much stronger case for making the initial 53-man roster heading into the regular season. If he can’t, however, he’ll likely be looking to provide his services for a team other than the Chargers this season.