Jim Harbaugh didn’t need long to find a bright spot after the Chargers opened the preseason with a 27-7 win over the Houston Texans. The rookie offensive tackle Travis Burke earned that spotlight, and his first outing gave the head coach plenty to like.
During Saturday’s media availability, Harbaugh made it clear Burke’s work stood out on the offensive line.
"I thought he played thought he gave a great effort. I thought he was uh great hustle.
He was played the probably the most plays maybe of anybody. Can't think of anybody who played more plays than he did," Harbaugh said.
That kind of backing matters for a rookie who is still settling into the NFL. Burke’s debut came with plenty of reps, and the Chargers seemed willing to test him early. For a first-year player, that workload can only help as he adjusts to the speed and physicality of the league.
At 6-9 and 315 pounds, Burke brings the kind of frame that naturally draws attention. He also looks a lot like starting right tackle Joe Alt, who checks in at 6-8 and 322 pounds. Drafted in April, Burke now has a chance to learn behind Alt while giving Los Angeles another option along the line.
The Chargers’ first unofficial depth chart for the 2026 season listed Burke as the third-string right tackle, behind Alt and Trey Pipkins III. That setup reflects where things stand for now, but it also leaves the door open for Burke to keep climbing if he continues to impress.
Pipkins is the veteran in the mix, and last season he was forced into the starting role after Alt missed significant time with a high ankle sprain on his right ankle. The results were rough.
Pipkins posted an overall grade of 47.2, which ranked No. 84 among 89 offensive tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. He also finished with a pass-blocking grade of 58, a run-blocking grade of 42.7, allowed four sacks, gave up 27 pressures, and was flagged seven times.
Burke’s college tape offers a different picture. In his senior season at Memphis, he earned an overall grade of 84.5, ranked No. 11 among 632 offensive tackles.
He also posted an 81.5 run-blocking grade, good for No. 34 among 632 tackles, and an 84.2 pass-blocking grade, which ranked No. 10.
In pass protection, he allowed three sacks and 13 pressures, while also being charged with six penalties.
There’s still plenty for Burke to clean up, especially with the flags. But his first NFL preseason game suggested he’s already absorbing lessons from the coaches and the veterans around him. That kind of start gives the Chargers something to watch closely as the preseason rolls on: whether Burke can keep moving up the depth chart and challenge Pipkins for the backup spot behind Alt.
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