While the outcomes mean absolutely nothing, the preseason is inherently valuable as it helps teams answer various 53-man roster questions. However, the preseason can also complicate roster decisions and the boat Jim Harbaugh and the LA Chargers find themselves in.
Harbaugh specifically finds himself with a tough decision to make with one of the newest members of the Chargers. The Chargers signed veteran running back Nyheim Miller-Hines at the start of training camp as he attempts an NFL return.
Miller-Hines has instantly forced himself into the running back conversation but there is a catch. The veteran back has struggled on special teams, which is often a key deciding factor for back-end roster players.
Making the decision even harder is the rest of the running back room. Special-teams ace Hassan Haskins came on strong in the second half and UDFA Raheim Sanders capped off the game with a touchdown.
Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh has a tough running back decision ahead.
First-round pick Omarion Hampton is the obvious RB1 but there is not much clarity behind him. Veteran Najee Harris was initially meant to split starting snaps with the exciting rookie. However, Harris is still nursing an eye injury and Harbaugh has been non-committal about if he will be available in Week 1.
Second-year running back Kimani Vidal is probably the next running back up on the depth chart but the situation is fluid. That is where Miller-Hines, Haskins and Sanders come into play.
Sanders appeared to be on the outside looking in heading into Sunday's game. Injuries slowed Sanders down at the start of training camp but after Sunday, he is just as big a part of the conversation as anyone else.
Miller-Hines has shown more as a pure runner than Haskins at this point but has much less special-teams value. Haskins is one of the best special-teams players on the entire Chargers roster while Miller-Hines muffed two separate punts.
It also helps that Haskins ripped off two big runs in the fourth quarter. Miller-Hines still shows more juice as a runner, though.
Granted, Miller-Hines wouldn't be the Chargers' returner even if he made the roster. That distinction goes to Derius Davis. However, the muffs highlight the disparity in special-teams value between Miller-Hines and Haskins.
This is where the tough decision comes in. If Harbaugh only has one roster spot to give out, does he give it to the veteran who may have more upside as a runner? Or does he take a chance on the UDFA with an entire career ahead of him?
The two remaining preseason games will help Harbaugh make his decision. But with Haskins having more special-teams value, and having Michigan ties to Harbaugh, we venture to guess that he may have the tiebreaker.
Only time will tell.