Jameis Winston has come out of the previous two preseasons as the New Orleans Saints’ starting quarterback, and injuries limited him to 10 regular-season appearances in the two years.

On Sunday night, Winston was back in the Saints’ starting lineup as New Orleans defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 22-17 in an NFL preseason contest. But the former Hueytown High School star was preparing for backup duty when New Orleans opens its regular-season schedule on Sept. 10 against the Tennessee Titans.

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In the offseason, the Saints signed quarterback Derek Carr to a four-year, $150 million contract after the Las Vegas Raiders released the four-time Pro Bowler.

Against the Chargers, Winston completed 13-of-21 passes for 169 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

After punting on their first three possessions, the Saints got a break when Los Angeles lost a fumble at its 33-yard line. Winston connected on a 27-yard pass to running back Kendre Miller, who scored the game’s first points on the next play with 12:54 left in the first half.

New Orleans’ final two first-half possessions ended in field goals by rookie kicker Blake Grupe as the Saints took a 13-10 lead. The second field goal came on the final snap of the first half after Winston hit wide receiver Shaquan Davis for a 42-yard gain to the Chargers 19-yard line with nine seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Rookie quarterback Jake Haener was supposed to run the New Orleans offense in the second half, but Winston made a three-snap cameo when Haener came out to be examined after a helmet-to-helmet hit. Winston threw a touchdown pass that was nullified by a penalty, and the Saints settled for the first of Will Lutz’s three second-half field goals.

“We’re getting better every single day,” Winston said. “And as we go out there and look at this film, I’m pretty sure we’re going to find something that we can execute better on, but we are getting better every single day, and I’m happy that we got this win.”

The Saints won despite having 14 penalties for 141 yards in the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

In addition to Winston, nine other players from Alabama high schools and colleges are on the rosters of New Orleans and Los Angeles:

· Saints wide receiver Kawaan Baker (South Alabama) did not record any stats.

· Chargers linebacker Nathan East (McAdory, Samford) did not play.

· Chargers tight end Gerald Everett (UAB/South Alabama) did not play.

· Chargers safety AJ Finley (St. Paul’s Episcopal) made three tackles.

· Chargers long snapper Josh Harris (Auburn) handled the snaps for five punts, two extra points and one field goal.

· Saints offensive lineman Scott Lashley (Alabama) is on injured reserve and not eligible to play.

· Saints safety Smoke Monday (Auburn) made three tackles and broke up a pass.

· Chargers punter JK Scott (Alabama) averaged 50.8 yards on five punts, with a net of 44.8 yards. Scott had a 54-yard punt returned 13 yards to the New Orleans 15-yard line, a 53-yarder returned 17 yards to the New Orleans 36, a 53-yarder returned 9 yards (which was wiped out by a holding penalty that placed the football on the New Orleans 21), a 47-yarder for a fair catch at the New Orleans 23 and a 47-yarder returned for no gain at the New Orleans 27.

· Chargers defensive lineman Nick Williams (Minor, Samford) did not play.

New Orleans will conclude the NFL’s preseason schedule when the Saints play the Houston Texans at 7 p.m. CDT Sunday at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. FOX will televise the game.

Los Angeles will play its final preseason game at 9 p.m. Friday, when the Chargers visit the San Francisco 49ers.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.