Trey Pipkins III has become one of the more interesting names to watch in Chargers camp, and his latest turn with the first-team offense only added fuel to a left guard competition that still feels wide open.
On Friday, the most notable development came when Pipkins opened practice with the No. 1 unit in front of quarterback Justin Herbert. That marked the first time this week he had worked there, and it put him into the mix with a group that has already seen plenty of movement.
Through camp and the offseason program, Kayode Awosika, Trevor Penning and rookie Jake Slaughter have all rotated at left guard. Awosika has handled the bulk of the reps with Herbert, but Jim Harbaugh made it clear earlier this offseason that the starting job would be contested among those four players. Pipkins’ rise into the top group makes that battle look even more unsettled.
ESPN NFL analyst Kris Rhim noted in his July 31 practice report that Friday’s work was done at half-speed and in walkthrough pace, which is why the Chargers are not about to crown anyone yet. Mike McDaniel also urged caution, pointing out that the real evaluation will come once padded practices begin next week.
That’s the key here. Pipkins has spent time at tackle, and that history may make some fans hesitate before buying in too quickly. But guard is its own job, with different demands and a different feel, and the Chargers appear interested in finding out what he can do there.
For now, the rep distribution may be just that - reps. Still, Pipkins has done enough to get noticed, and the left guard race now has another legitimate contender in the picture.
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Left guard remains one of the clearest ongoing battles, and the safety group is still sorting itself out as camp moves forward. Even with a working projection in place, the final calls wont come until more practices and preseason snaps give the staff a better read on who can hold up when the pressure rises. [Read more 🡒]