There’s plenty for Chargers fans to like right now at training camp, and the latest buzz is coming from the offensive line.
The biggest takeaway is that the left guard spot is still wide open. ESPN’s Kris Rhim reported that Mike McDaniel sees a tight battle there, and he made it clear the job won’t be handed to anyone.
“There’s a lot of guys neck and neck right now,” McDaniel added: “I really want the starter to earn it. I think the player will tell us, I think his teammates will tell us.”
Added: “No one’s eliminated themselves from the tournament.”
That competition includes rookie Jake Slaughter, Trevor Penning, Kayode Awosika, and Branson Taylor.
There was also a strong moment for Joe Alt. The right tackle delivered a big block on Khalil Mack on a screen play, giving the Chargers a rep they’ve been chasing during camp.
“Mike McDaniel ran across the field yelling, ‘Great job, Joe Alt' during practice today after Alt blocked Khalil Mack on a screen, something the Chargers have struggled to do throughout camp.”
McDaniel was clearly impressed, saying Alt has “exceeded my expectations that were pretty high coming in” and calling him an “over-the-top pleasant surprise.”
That kind of progress matters, especially with Rashawn Slater taking some days off as he works his way back from the season-ending injury he suffered last year. The belief is that Slater is being handled carefully, and the expectation is that he’ll be ready by the start of the season.
In Other News...
Chargers Left Guard Battle Could Be Bigger Than Fans Realize
The Chargers first unofficial depth chart of the season offered an early look at one of the quieter but important competitions on the roster, and left guard is very much up for grabs. Kayode Awosika, Branson Taylor and Jake Slaughter all surfaced as possible starters at the spot, a reminder that the line is still sorting itself out as camp moves toward the preseason.
Jim Harbaugh said Awosika has been the most consistent option there so far, but the job is far from decided. The coming preseason games will give the staff a better chance to separate the candidates, and for a team trying to settle its protection up front, this is one of those battles that could end up mattering more than it first looked. [Read more 🡒]
Former Chargers Pick Is Suddenly Back In The Spotlight
The Giants were forced to reshuffle their roster after injuries hit a few key spots, and one of the more familiar names to Chargers fans surfaced in the process. New York waived cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse and added a cluster of short-term depth pieces, including safety J.T. Woods, cornerbacks D.J. James and David Long, and offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes as it tries to steady both the interior offensive line and the defensive back room before the preseason.
For the Chargers, Jaimes is the name worth noting because the former pick is suddenly back in the spotlight after landing in a new camp situation. None of the newcomers are being brought in with Week 1 starting jobs in mind, but these late roster moves can still matter for players trying to carve out a role, and Jaimes now gets another chance to show he can provide insurance on the offensive line. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Fans Should Be Excited About This Rookie Deep Threat
Brenen Thompson has already given Chargers fans a reason to keep an eye on the preseason. The rookie receiver brought a track-level burst with him after stops at Texas and Oklahoma, then turned in a breakout season at Mississippi State with more than 1,000 receiving yards and six touchdowns before arriving in Los Angeles. Since then, he has kept flashing in team drills, drawing praise from coaches and teammates while looking like a natural fit for a passing game that can use another vertical threat.
The most encouraging part for the Chargers is that Thompson is not just running past defenders in isolated moments, he is also earning steady looks from Justin Herbert. For a young receiver, that kind of quarterback trust matters, especially in a camp where every rep can shape the depth chart. If Thompson keeps stacking those opportunities, the Chargers may have found a rookie who can stretch the field and make the offense a lot harder to defend. [Read more 🡒]