Two Japanese players will see action in the San Francisco 49ers' and Washington Redskins' training camps next month and could be given a chance to play in the NFL Osaka 2002 on Aug. 4, NFL Japan announced Thursday.
Masafumi Kawaguchi, a six-year NFL Europe League veteran, will take part in the 49ers' training camp while Akihito Amaya will join the Redskins. Both camps are scheduled to start late July.
The two players will sign a 10-day contract with the NFL teams until the Aug. 4 game.
For Kawaguchi, a 178-cm, 103-kg linebacker, this will be his third NFL camp, having previously joined the Packers in 1998 and the Cowboys in 2000 in the build up to the American Bowl.
Kawaguchi recorded 26 tackles, three defended passes and two special team tackles for NFLEL's Amsterdam Admirals this spring.
A 182-cm, 85.3-kg wideout, Amaya played for the World Bowl runnerup Rhein Fire this spring and marked five receptions for 21 yards.
The 49ers take on the Redskins in the NFL Osaka 2002 at the Osaka Dome. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
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