After defeating the LA Rams to kick off the preseason, the LA Chargers welcomed the New Orleans Saints for two joint practices at the Bolts' facility. Following the two practices on Thursday and Friday they will square off in Week 2 of the preseason.
The outcome of this preseason game does not matter at all but it does matter on an individual level. These preseason games are a great gauge of where certain players are and where they might be on the depth chart.
For some, this game is just a chance to get into football shape and get ready for the regular season. For others, it is a game that they desperately need to perform in, as the chance of making the roster may be slipping away.
3 Chargers who desperately need to perform in Week 2 of preseason vs Saints:
Dustin Hopkins
It might be too little, too late for Dustin Hopkins. Hopkins entered training camp in a kicking battle with Cameron Dicker and as the veteran in the battle, Hopkins had the advantage. However, ever since then, Dicker has done everything to take a strong lead in the battle.
Hopkins was unavailable to kick in practice at the start of camp and while that was happening Dicker was putting on a show. Then, in the first preseason game of the year, Dicker got all of the kicking opportunities and did not miss an attempt.
Hopkins should get some chances to play against the Saints and he needs to really put on a show to close the gap, especially after missing a kick in the joint practice on Thursday.
Dustin Hopkins is kicking today for #Chargers.
— Eric Smith (@Eric_L_Smith) August 17, 2023
Made his first 2 kicks from 33 and 38 but wide left from 43.
If Hopkins misses another kick in game action against the Saints then it might end up being the final straw that breaks the camel's back.