Working with backups
Spiller has primarily worked with the second- and third-team offenses at training camp, but Daniel Popper of The Athletic notes that the rookie's "physicality is starting to pop" now that the Chargers have started padded practices.
The rookie fourth-round pick will need more than brute strength and determination to earn a role, but those traits certainly help when competing for part-time work behind a smaller, versatile back like Chargers starter Austin Ekeler. While previous draft picks Joshua Kelley (2020 fourth-round choice) and Larry Rountree (2021 sixth-round choice) failed to take advantage of similar opportunities the past two years, Spiller still has time to make an impression this summer. If he fails to do so, the Chargers could go with Rountree or Kelley off the bench or else could use an unpredictable rotation the way they did for much of last season.
More Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Football News
Donald Parham Jr.
TE | LAC
'Week-to-week' with hamstring issue
Chargers head coach Brandon Staley called Parham "week-to-week" Wednesday due to the hamstring injury the tight end suffered during practice Aug. 6, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Joshua Kelley
RB | LAC
Leading RB2 competition
Kelley has seen more first-team work than Isiah Spiller and Larry Rountree at training camp, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
Derwin James Jr.
DB | LAC
Signs four-year extension
James agreed Wednesday with the Chargers on a four-year contract extension, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Joe Reed
WR | LAC
Makes impact in preseason opener
Reed secured four of five targets for 61 yards and a touchdown and returned three kickoffs for 60 yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.
Jalen Guyton
WR | LAC
Pair of grabs in preseason opener
Guyton brought in both targets for six yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.
Joshua Palmer
WR | LAC
Comes up empty on four targets
Palmer didn't bring in any of his four targets in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.
Larry Rountree III
RB | LAC
Second running back in Saturday
Rountree carried three times for eight yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.
Joshua Kelley
RB | LAC
Compiles 44 total yards in opener
Kelley rushed three times for 16 yards and secured all three targets for 28 yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.
Isaiah Spiller
RB | LAC
Garners 44 total yards in debut
Spiller rushed 10 times for 34 yards and brought in his only target for 10 yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.
Justin Herbert
QB | LAC
Unlikely to play Saturday
Herbert and other starters aren't expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Rams, Elliott Teaford of The Press-Enterprise reports.