As the New Orleans Saints take on the Los Angeles Rams for their second preseason game, there will be a focus on the few remaining position battles that have raged on throughout training camp.
With injuries opening new opportunities and players returning to the fold, the competition may not be abundant around the roster. But where it is present, it is fierce.
Here are some of the position battles to watch throughout the Saints’ second exhibition matchup.
Running Back
With veteran backs Alvin Kamara and Audric Estime sidelined due to injury, returning backs Kendre Miller and Devin Neal each have a chance to make a run at the third running back spot with a convincing performance against the Rams.
Both Neal and Miller returned to the lineup against the Dallas Cowboys in their joint practices and met with the Rams just two days later as well.
In both exposures, the backs impressed and will look to continue that trend against the Rams on Saturday.
Wide Receiver
While Jordyn Tyson is out with a hamstring injury for an expected two-month period, the Saints are looking for wideouts to step up as early season contributors.
Rookie wide receiver Bryce Lance was kept on ice in the preseason opener and then had strong performances against the Cowboys and Rams in their joint practices.
It will be interesting to see if he stays on the sideline again this week, indicating both a heavy workload from the joint practices and a possible role that he’s already solidified.
But other wideouts like Barion Brown, Kevin Austin Jr. and Bub Means have also been performing well.
Their displays so far leave them in position to continue vying for larger roles against the Rams.
Linebacker
An interesting adjustment may be on the way in the Saints’ linebacker room. With starting linebacker Kaden Elliss likely to have a larger third down role, the depth in the position’s room is of elevated importance in order to maintain his ability to move around on third downs and obvious passing downs.
Isaiah Stalbird, Jaylan Ford, Jackson Sirmon and Deion Jones will all be important to watch throughout Saturday’s game as they jostle for position everywhere from the middle of the position’s depth chart to the practice squad.
Kicker
The battle between kickers Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown continues on. After a light week of kicking, both boots will be put to the test against Los Angeles.
Smyth (35/44)and Brown (35/40) are gridlocked for the moment. How they perform in both their scoring opportunities and kickoff responsibilities could be big in this matchup.
