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Ladd McConkey Ladd McConkey Doesn't play against Houston
Fri, Aug 14, 2026, 8:04 PM
McConkey did not play in the Chargers' 27-7 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday.
Analysis: McConkey was joined by Tre' Harris and Quentin Johnston on the sidelines while JaQuae Jackson, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and rookie fourth-rounder Brenen Thompson saw the bulk of the wide receiver snaps during Thursday's exhibition game. McConkey saw his production dip from his rookie season to his sophomore campaign, but his output could rebound in 2026 due to the departure of veteran Keenan Allen and the addition of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. |
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Suits up Thursday
Fri, Aug 14, 2026, 8:03 PM
Rogers logged two tackles (one solo) during Thursday night's preseason opener against the Texans.
Analysis: Rogers logged 26 total snaps in the contest. The cornerback spent most of his reps defensively, contributing to 38 percent of the team's defensive efforts. The Rutgers product has already progressed further than in his rookie year, when he suffered a season-ending injury during the Chargers' second preseason game of the season against the Saints on Aug. 10. |
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Plays Thursday
Fri, Aug 14, 2026, 7:57 PM
Reed logged three tackles (two solo) during Thursday night's preseason opener against the Texans.
Analysis: Reed logged 34 total snaps in the contest. The cornerback played 49 percent of the defensive snaps, logging valuable slot reps in preparation for a scenario in which Tarheeb Still cannot suit up. |
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Plays in preseason opener
Fri, Aug 14, 2026, 7:52 PM
Colson made five tackles (three solo) in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Texans.
Analysis: The linebacker played 22 defensive snaps in the contest, 42 percent of the Chargers' defensive total. Thursday was Colson's first performance back from season-ending shoulder surgery he received during the 2025 preseason. The 2024 third-rounder is set to be a key depth piece for the Chargers' linebacker corps in the upcoming campaign. |
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Quentin Johnston Quentin Johnston Sidelined for preseason opener
Fri, Aug 14, 2026, 7:10 PM
Johnston did not play in the Chargers' 27-7 preseason win over the Texans on Thursday.
Analysis: Johnston joined Tre' Harris and Ladd McConkey in observing Thursday's exhibition contest from the sidelines while KeAndre Lambert-Smith, JaQuae Jackson and rookie fourth-rounder Brenen Thompson each played 30 or more offensive snaps against Houston. Johnston had his ups and downs in 2025 but finished with a career-high 735 yards across 14 regular-season games, with his eight touchdowns tying his career-best set in 2024. However, the 2023 first-rounder could be in line for an expanded role in the scheme of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, especially since Keenan Allen is still a free agent. |
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Trey Lance Trey Lance Plays three quarters in preseason opener
Thu, Aug 13, 2026, 11:23 PM
Lance completed 12 of 20 passes for 164 yards, no touchdowns and one interception while rushing three times for 27 yards in Thursday's 27-7 preseason win over the Texans.
Analysis: Lance played the first three quarters of Thursday's preseason opener as the Chargers rested starting QB Justin Herbert and other key starters. DJ Uiagalelei came in for the fourth quarter. Lance threw an interception on his final pass of the first half but moved the offense pretty well and tied for the team lead in rushing yards. He'll likely feature prominently in the Chargers' second preseason game, which will be Aug. 20 against the 49ers. |
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Brenen Thompson Brenen Thompson Six targets in first NFL game
Thu, Aug 13, 2026, 11:00 PM
Thompson caught two of six targets for 30 yards in Thursday's 27-7 preseason win over the Texans.
Analysis: Thompson tied KeAndre Lambert-Smith for the team lead in targets as the Chargers got the rookie fourth-round pick involved in Thompson's first taste of NFL action. Both Thompson and Lambert-Smith are trying to push Tre' Harris for a spot in three-receiver sets alongside Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. Thompson's likely to maintain a prominent role in the Chargers' second preseason game against the 49ers on Aug. 20. |
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Kimani Vidal Kimani Vidal Starts preseason opener
Thu, Aug 13, 2026, 10:54 PM
Vidal got the start in Thursday's 27-7 preseason win over the Texans and rushed five times for eight yards while failing to catch his only target.
Analysis: The Chargers rested starting running back Omarion Hampton for the preseason opener, and offseason addition Keaton Mitchell didn't register a touch. This was a quiet performance from Vidal, but the 2024 sixth-round pick remains in the mix for touches behind Hampton after a solid sophomore season in which Hampton produced 779 regular-season scrimmage yards. |
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Cameron Dicker Cameron Dicker Two made FGs, missed PAT in preseason win
Thu, Aug 13, 2026, 10:49 PM
Dicker made both of his field-goal attempts and one of two PAT tries in Thursday's 27-7 preseason win over the Texans.
Analysis: Dicker connected on field-goal attempts of 34 and 48 yards, though he later missed a PAT attempt in the fourth quarter. He missed just once on 35 PAT tries in the 2025 regular season. Dicker has established himself as one of the league's most reliable kickers in recent seasons while kicking in sunny Los Angeles. |
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Oronde Gadsden Oronde Gadsden Two catches in preseason win
Thu, Aug 13, 2026, 10:15 PM
Gadsden caught two of three targets for 21 yards in Thursday's 21-7 preseason win over the Texans.
Analysis: The Chargers rested key starters, including QB Justin Herbert, but Gadsden evidently hasn't earned that distinction coming off a 664-yard rookie regular season. Both of Gadsden's catches Thursday came on passes thrown by Trey Lance. In Gadsden's second NFL campaign, he will try to hold off David Njoku for targets among the Chargers' tight ends. Gadsden could continue to see action in the Chargers' second preseason game, Aug. 20 against the 49ers. |
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Justin Herbert Justin Herbert Getting comfortable in new offense
Mon, Aug 10, 2026, 8:49 PM
Herbert has been sharp and on target with his receivers in training camp, seemingly growing more comfortable in Mike McDaniel's offense, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: One of the priorities that Herbert took during the offseason was to improve his footwork, which has seemingly paid off through the first two weeks of training camp. Entering his seventh NFL season, Herbert has looked comfortable with his timing in McDaniel's scheme, connecting on receivers early and in space. It's unclear whether Herbert will play in Thursday's exhibition contest against the Texans, but the Oregon product should see some reps in preseason games to flesh out the details before the Chargers' regular-season opener against the Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 13. |
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Joining Bolts
Mon, Aug 10, 2026, 8:32 PM
The Chargers signed Carter on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Analysis: Carter spent some time with Miami last season after missing the cut for Las Vegas' 53-man roster, and now he's getting another shot with the Chargers. He'll have his work cut out to try to earn a depth role on the edge with his new team in 2026. |
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Continues to miss practice
Mon, Aug 10, 2026, 8:28 PM
Slater (undisclosed) did not participate in Monday's practice, Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com reports.
Analysis: Slater has missed three consecutive practices with an undisclosed issue. The starting left tackle missed the entirety of the 2025 season due to a ruptured patellar tendon that he suffered last August. If the 27-year-old once again has a severe injury, the Chargers' offensive line will need to lean on a healthy Joe Alt more than ever. Trey Pipkins or Travis Burke are set to slot in at tackle across from Alt in the event that Slater must miss time. |
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Kimani Vidal Kimani Vidal Set to be utilized in committee
Mon, Aug 10, 2026, 7:37 PM
Vidal was listed a co-backup in the the Chargers' first unofficial depth chart Monday, Eric Smith of the team's official website reports.
Analysis: Vidal and offseason addition Keaton Mitchell were listed as the top backup options behind starter Omarion Hampton ahead of the team's preseason opener Thursday in Houston. Vidal returned to Los Angeles on a one-year deal in the offseason after turning 155 carries into 643 yards and three scores across 13 regular-season contests in 2025, and he's expected to be utilized as a part of a backfield committee in 2026. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel outlined that he will use all three of Hampton, Vidal and Mitchell every game, leaning on the "hot hand," which he described as "bad news" for fantasy managers and good news for him. |
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Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton OC to use hot hand approach at RB
Mon, Aug 10, 2026, 3:10 PM
New Chargers OC Mike McDaniel said Monday he'll likely use a "hot hand" approach in the backfield this season, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: "Bad news, fantasy owners," McDaniel said regarding the roles for Hampton, Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell. "Good news is I see all three of those guys producing at a very high level. Bad news is I can't tell you which games those are." Hampton is being drafted in the second round of best-ball drafts currently, which appears to be a rich price for a player involved in what could be a convoluted backfield in 2026. Hampton wasn't handpicked by McDaniel, and the team signed Mitchell to a two-year, $9.25 million deal at McDaniel's request during the offseason. Vidal has the trust of coach Jim Harbaugh after what he did in Hampton's place last season. There are a lot of mouths to feed in this offense as a whole, making Hampton a high-risk, potentially-high-reward fantasy pick. |
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Keaton Mitchell Keaton Mitchell Will have role on game days
Mon, Aug 10, 2026, 2:46 PM
Chargers OC Mike McDaniel said Monday that Mitchell will have an offensive role on game days this season, Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com reports.
Analysis: McDaniel specifically mentioned all three of Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal and Mitchell will have roles in the offense. "All three of those guys will start at that point given the nature of the NFL," McDaniel said. "I will use all three of those guys every game." Mitchell signed a two-year, $9.25 million deal with the Bolts in the offseason, and that's not chump change for a running back, so the money itself suggests McDaniel has a vision for him. Armed with a 4.37 40 time and elite burst, Mitchell is a dream fit in McDaniel's offense that is built on speed. The Chargers have already been experimenting with Mitchell in the passing game this summer. He's a high-upside, lottery-ticket pick in the later rounds of fantasy drafts. |
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Omarion Hampton Omarion Hampton Praised by McDaniel for recent growth
Wed, Aug 5, 2026, 12:04 PM
Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said Wednesday that Hampton has arguably shown "the most growth of any player" since the start of the offseason, Alex Insdorf of BoltBeat.com reports.
Analysis: McDaniel also mentioned that he's trying to get Hampton to stop his feet less often and instead rely on power to take on defenders. The 220-pounder definitely has that in his bag of tricks, but he does lean toward a finesse approach relative to other RBs his size. There's been a lot of speculation among fantasy players about the specifics of Hampton's 2026 role after the Chargers signed Keaton Mitchell this offseason. They also still have Kimani Vidal, who took 155 carries for 643 yards (4.1 YPC) and three TDs in 13 games last year. Hampton figures to be the starter and lead runner for an improved rushing attack, but it's not yet clear if he'll have a shot at 20 touches per game. |
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Limited due to contract dispute
Mon, Aug 3, 2026, 6:25 PM
Tuipulotu did not participate in team drills Monday due to an ongoing contract discussion with the Chargers, Kris Rhim of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The outside linebacker continues to hold in as he seeks a contract extension following a stellar 13-sack season over 16 games. As Tuipulota continues to wait, rookie Akheem Mesidor continues to gain valuable first-team reps at edge. While Mesidor's success could inhibit Tuipulota's negotiating tactic a bit, the ever-present worry of Khalil Mack's age means that Tuipulota's services will be required in the near future regardless of Mesidor. |
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Back at training camp
Fri, Jul 31, 2026, 8:34 PM
Slater (kneecap) was seen participating in training camp practice Thursday, Gilberto Manzano of SI.com reports.
Analysis: Expectations were high for Slater after the 2021 first-rounder signed a four-year, $114 million contract extension with the Chargers in July of 2025. However, he ended up missing all of last season after undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured patella tendon that he suffered during training camp. Slater is fully recovered from the injury, and his return will bolster a Chargers offensive line tasked with protecting franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. |
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Healthy for training camp
Tue, Jul 28, 2026, 6:42 PM
Alt (ankle) told reporters Tuesday that he is "ready to rock and roll" for training camp, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.
Analysis: It looks like Alt has fully recovered from an ankle injury that caused him to miss the second half of the 2025 regular season. He may be limited in his practice participation early on in training camp, but the expectation is that he'll be good to go for Week 1 against the Cardinals on Sunday, Sept. 13. |
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