4 Players To Watch In AFC West Preseason Games This Weekend
DENVER (CBS4/The Sports Xchange) - Broncos fans will certainly be tuned in when Denver faces off against the Rams on Saturday night, but there are three other NFL preseason games that are worth paying attention to as well.
The Broncos, as always, have two regular season games to plan for against each of their AFC West foes, and the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers also play this weekend.
This third week of preseason games is showtime in the league for teams that want one last look at their first team, and players who want to be on that starting unit.
Here's a player on each AFC West squad who you should keep a close eye on this weekend:
Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos, Saturday at 7 p.m.
Wide receiver Cody Latimer: After languishing through his first two seasons, the 2014 second-round pick is finally poised for a breakthrough with the Broncos. He struggled to pick up the offense in 2014 and 2015 and admitted he was "nervous" around quarterback Peyton Manning as he feared making a mistake.
But this summer he is more relaxed and leads the Broncos in yardage and receptions through two games. Bennie Fowler's elbow injury also gave Latimer more time, and he appears to be leading in the race for the No. 3 receiving position.
Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders, Saturday at 6 p.m.
Running back George Atkinson III: The Oakland back burst into contention for a roster spot on the strength of 53- and 35-yard touchdown runs in the preseason opener against Arizona. The son of the former Raiders safety by the same name (without the III), Atkinson had only three yards on three carries against Green Bay.
With Latavius Murray and DeAndre Washington guaranteed spots, Atkinson may be competing with Jalen Richard, an undrafted free agent. Two things in Atkinson's favor: He can cover kickoffs, and fullback Marcel Reece will spend the first three games of the season under suspension for violating the league's PED policy last year.
Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears, Saturday at 11 a.m.
Wide receiver Mike Williams: The sometimes-troubled 29-year-old receiver from Syracuse appeared in only 15 games over the last three years with Tampa Bay and Buffalo. Williams sat out the entire 2015 season that began with an NFL suspension and the Bills cut him loose.
In his first three NFL seasons, all with the Buccaneers, the fourth-round selection in the 2010 draft caught 193 balls for 2,731 yards and 23 touchdowns. Williams missed the Chiefs' offseason field work because of a hamstring pull, and he has not received a lot of playing time -- just 23 snaps in two games. He was targeted four times, catching two passes for 18 and nine yards.
The depth chart at receiver is tight. Jeremy Maclin, Albert Wilson, Chris Conley, Rod Streater and rookie Tyreek Hill appear to be locks. That would leave possibly one spot open, with Williams battling De'Anthony Thomas, Frankie Hammond and rookie Demarcus Robinson.
San Diego Chargers at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday at 11 a.m.
Wide receiver/returner Travis Benjamin: Everyone raves about Benjamin's speed and how it can lengthen the field for the Chargers. But Benjamin's practice time with quarterback Philip Rivers has been spotty and he dropped some passes as well.
Benjamin was actually brought in to give the return game a boost, but he looked tentative in the second preseason game. He needs a good game at Minnesota Sunday for his confidence and also to earn more faith from Rivers.
