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American Football

Which five players are needing to impress in the Chargers vs. Saints preseason game?

Philip Marsh
Which five players are needing to impress in the Chargers vs. Saints preseason game?Getty

With the NFL's deadline for team's to select their 53-man rosters fast approaches, tonight's game between Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints provides another opportunity for players to impress.

Plenty of players will be assured of a place on their respective rosters, but for others they will need to impress in what is left of preseason to earn a spot.

Here are five players who will be hoping to play their way onto their team's rosters.

Elijah Dotson - Chargers RB

Undoubtedly the biggest winner of the Chargers' first preseason game was rookie running back Elijah Dotson.

The undrafted free agent scored two touchdowns and showed an impressive turn of speed as the Chargers beat the Rams last week.

Following the game the Chargers waived running back Larry Roundtree, putting Dotson fourth in the pecking order at the position.

Another similar performance against the Saints will improve Dotson's chances of making the 53-man roster, otherwise it will be the practice squad where he begins his career.

Keith Kirkwood - Saints WR

Saints wide receiver Keith Kirkwood has had a positive August thus far, impressive in training camp and scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs last week.

The 28-year-old has never topped 13 receptions in his five years in the NFL, but there are spaces on the Saints depth chart at the position that need filling.

The likes of Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, Rashid Shaheed and Tre’Quan Smith are all certain to make the 53-man roster, but Kirkwood could still earn a spot.

While he did score against the Chiefs last week, that was his only catch, so he will be hoping for more volume against the Chargers to make his case.

CJ Okoye - Chargers DL

Saturday's win over the Rams was CJ Okoye's first ever organised game of football having been born in Nigeria and participating in the International Player Pathway Program.

The Chargers have shown huge support for the defensive lineman, and in the fourth quarter last week he made the first sack of his career.

Due to the rules of the International Player Pathway Program the Chargers can place Okoye on their 16-man practice squad without it counting against the limit.

However a spot on the final 53-man roster is not totally out of the question for the Nigerian, who will be looking to impress again against the Saints.

Ellis Merriweather - Saints RB

Another running back hoping to put in a strong performance is Saints rookie Ellis Merriweather.

Merriweather is behind Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams, fellow rookie Kendre Miller and Darrel Williams on the depth chart.

His main competition for a place on the roster comes from Kirk Merritt, so Merriweather will need to prove he is of value not only in the run game but on special teams as well.

And at 6' 1", Merriweather will need to prove he can pick up a blitz in pass protection for his quarterback if he is to earn a surprise spot.

Cameron Dicker and Dustin Hopkins - Chargers K

One of the hardest competitions to call at Chargers' training camp this offseason has been who will be the first-choice kicker come the regular season.

Cameron Dicker and Dustin Hopkins are locked in battle for a roster spot, which also happens to be a starting spot.

Chargers head coach Branden Staley has previously said he will give both the opportunity to impress and not make a decision on who the starter is until later this month.

With that in mind both could get the chance at extra points or field goals this evening and prove they should be the starter for the franchise.

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