The Chargers officially start the preseason with a road matchup against the Texans on Thursday.
The preseason isn't exciting football by any means since starters don't see as much field time, but it does serve its purpose. This will be an audition for many players who are trying to earn a role.
With that, here are six members who need a strong outing against Houston.
EDGE Kyle Kennard
After a disappointing rookie year in which he was essentially redshirted, his roster spot is no longer secure. Kennard, who is competing with undrafted free agent Nadame Tucker and Bud Dupree for one of the final spots, must translate that practice growth into live-game production.
CB Avery Smith
With the top cornerback spots firmly locked down, this undrafted free agent out of Toledo has displayed impressive playmaking in camp. He must excel on defense and special teams to earn one of the final remaining depth spots.
OL Branson Taylor
Taylor, a 2025 sixth-round pick, completely transformed his body and approach this offseason, propelling him into reps with the first-team offense and making him one of the finalists for the starting left guard job along with Kayode Awosika and rookie Jake Slaughter. He needs to translate that into live game action to put him ahead of the pack.
QB DJ Uiagalelei
Trey Lance is etched in as Justin Herbert's backup, at least on paper. Expected to play a major share of snaps alongside Lance, a sharp performance would potentially make Lance's job less secure. While he has been reckless with the football at times, Uiagalelei has still flashed his arm talent during practices, a trait superior to Lance's.
LB Junior Colson
Selected in the third round of the 2024 draft, Colson’s pro career hasn't gone entirely to plan. With starting roles ahead of him settled, he needs a dominant preseason performance to prove he is worthy of one of the final depth spots over key special teamer Marlowe Wax.
WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith
After flashing potential in last year’s preseason, the 2025 fifth-round pick out of Auburn struggled to find his footing during a quiet rookie campaign. Lambert-Smith has stacked multiple strong padded practices late in camp and continues to display deep-ball chemistry, which he will have to carry over to Houston to show he's likely worth the final spot in the wide receiver room.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers preseason opener: 6 players who must stand out vs. Texans