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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert had a lackluster fantasy season in 2022 but is poised for a bounce-back year. Herbert's contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL, was a huge story earlier in the summer. SI.com's Ricardo Sandoval believes the pressure is squarely on Herbert to elevate his play to an MVP level. Herbert did not play in the preseason, but the tone of practice reports was unquestionably positive. Easton Stick handled most of the preseason work and locked up the backup job. He is athletic enough to be a fantasy sleeper if Herbert misses time.
Running Backs
Austin Ekeler remains a centerpiece of the offense. The team is keen on bolstering their power run game, and Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller are slated to contribute in this aspect. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore noted, “I think that both of them have different roles that we will certainly want to utilize. [Elijah] Dotson has popped in there and had some opportunities, as well. We're just continuing to give those guys as much opportunity and exposure as possible and, certainly, find those different roles.” While Ekeler remains the mainstay, the dynamics of this backfield could evolve as the season goes on. Given the offense's potential, an injury to Ekeler could open up significant opportunities. Kelley and Spiller make for intriguing late-round fantasy stashes. Kelley turned heads with a 75-yard touchdown run in the final preseason game.
Wide Receivers
Keenan Allen continues to impress in training camp, showing no indications of slowing down. The Chargers are deploying both Allen and Mike Williams in varying roles, a shift from OC Joe Lombardi's more restrictive scheme—a scheme Allen found limiting. Despite his age, there is hope the new scheme could unlock a career-best season for Allen. Slot reps will also help Mike Williams find consistency weekly. In a noteworthy preseason development, Josh Palmer has been given priority over Quentin Johnston in the first team’s three-receiver sets, contrary to their respective average draft positions (ADP) in fantasy football. While Johnston has spoken about building chemistry with Herbert, his notable struggles with drops make him a risky fantasy play unless injuries open up opportunities for him. On the other hand, Palmer's ADP and knack for making big plays position him as an attractive best-ball option.
Tight Ends
Gerald Everett is the sleeper pick you won't want to overlook in this offense. Despite a sluggish start to camp due to illness, he's entering a system that catapulted Dalton Schultz to fantasy prominence. Look for Everett to be utilized creatively, including in jet sweeps and screens. He's an ideal "dart throw" in fantasy drafts this year. As for the rest of the tight end room, projections by The Athletic's Daniel Popper suggest Tre McKitty, Donald Parham, and Stone Smartt will complete the roster. Smartt is particularly intriguing as a deep stash. Though he's mainly seen action on special teams so far, he's showing promise in his second year and could evolve into a trustworthy receiving option, given his athleticism.
Kickers
Both kickers in the battle for the position had multiple chances in the preseason finale. Cameron Dicker went 2-for-2 on field goals, and Dustin Hopkins went 1-for-1 on his lone field goal attempt and 2-for-2 on extra points. Either would be a worthy winner, and the one who gets cut should be claimed by a kicker-needy team.
Defense
Khalil Mack is entering the season in peak form, feeling his healthiest in years. He's poised to make a big impact in the team's new 3-4 defensive scheme, especially alongside a bulked-up Joey Bosa. These two will likely be nightmares for opposing offenses. Eric Kendricks, meanwhile, has been a stabilizing force for the defense and played a significant role in Kenneth Murray's development. Murray even regards Kendricks as a mentor, likening him to a "big brother." As for Derwin James, he continues to affirm his status as one of the league's premier safeties. His skill set adds another layer of intimidation to an already formidable defensive unit.
Returners
While teams are often uncomfortable relying on unproven rookies to handle returns, Derius Davis has impressed the Chargers and will likely begin the season in that role.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Although the starters, including Justin Herbert, didn’t play against the Saints in the preseason game, they did get valuable reps against the New Orleans defense during joint practices. The passing offense struggled downfield against the Saints, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. Herbert appreciated the opportunity to face another defense: "To be able to go up against a really good defense, a really good team in the Saints, it's always a great opportunity for us to get better." Easton Stick played the entire game in Herbert’s stead, completing 21-of-41 passes for 233 yards and two interceptions, but he ran for a team-leading 63 yards and two touchdowns. His mobility and fearlessness are enough to keep the No. 2 job, most likely.
Running Backs
The offensive line was a highlight of the joint practices, particularly the run blocking. Guard Zion Johnson said, "All of us love it. We feel like we're built for the downhill run game." Despite Austin Ekeler’s continued excellence, the team ranked 30th overall in rushing last year. With Ekeler resting against the Saints, Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller played with the starting offense. Kelley has likely secured the No. 2 job, per Nathan Jahnke at Pro Football Focus. Coach Brandon Staley praised the physical approach: "We've certainly formulated the identity that we want to play with." The team waived Larry Rountree, allowing undrafted free agent Elijah Dotson extensive playing time, but he remains on the roster bubble.
Wide Receivers
Popper's most significant observation was that the receivers struggled to create separation against the Saints in practice. “The Chargers just did not capitalize on the great protection. Herbert had time to throw, and he certainly attempted to access the deep part of the field. But the Chargers’ skill players, particularly the receivers, had a very tough time creating any sort of consistent separation.” Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Josh Palmer were given the game off, allowing rookie Quentin Johnston his moment to shine. He caught all three of his targets for 37 yards, but the fact he played while the three veterans didn’t leaves questions about Johnston’s role early in the season. Popper projects that the team will keep six receivers: Allen, Williams, Palmer, Johnston, rookie Derius Davis, and Keelan Doss. Jalen Guyton remains on the PUP list.
Tight Ends
Antonio Gates is being inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame. Matt Smith and Chris Hayre of Chargers Weekly interviewed Gerald Everett, and the veteran tight end is excited by coordinator Kellen Moore’s plans. Everett expects Moore to be more creative with his usage than how Dalton Schultz was utilized in Dallas. Everett noted the screen game and jet sweeps as part of his new repertoire. Donald Parham, Tre' McKitty, and Stone Smartt are expected to round out the roster.
Defense
Safety Derwin James has had a strong summer, and his head coach wants everyone to know. "He is playing with more technique than he ever has. He was a playmaker out there today." Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. is the other defensive star in camp. Popper wrote a spotlight on Murray. Linebackers coach Jeff Howard notes, "He's had so many dynamic plays." Coordinator Derrick Ansley agrees, noting, “This is really going to be the year, I think, he can break out.” Until now, the former first-round pick has been a disappointment, which is why the front office declined his fifth-year option. Cornerback J.C. Jackson was a significant acquisition in the 2022 offseason, but he is slowly returning from injury.
Offensive Line
Left tackle Rashawn Slater's return following a long absence has had a positive ripple effect on the Chargers offensive line. Right guard Jamaree Salyer has adjusted well to playing inside after filling in for Slater at left tackle previously. Right tackle Trey Pipkins is building upon a strong 2022 season. Center Corey Linsley remains one of the league's best centers, and left guard Zion Johnson impacts the run game. Rookie Jordan McFadden is likely an upgrade at swing tackle over Foster Sarell. This group ranks 12th overall.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert is growing comfortable in the new offense, executing a simulated double-digit comeback in practice. He didn’t play in the preseason tilt against the Rams and isn’t expected to take the field at all this preseason. Easton Stick and Max Duggan will handle the preseason game duties. Notably, for Duggan and fellow TCU alumni wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis, the game was a return to the stadium where they lost the National Championship to Georgia. Oddly, they faced Stetson Bennett in both games, too. Ricardo Sandoval of SI.com believes that Stick’s confidence is growing; he will serve as Herbert’s backup.
Running Backs
Austin Ekeler is generating more off-field buzz than on-field news, continuing to advocate for increased running back compensation with Yahoo’s Mackenzie Salmon. The Chargers punished the Rams on the ground, gaining 214 rushing yards. Second-year running back Isaiah Spiller looks notably faster this year, showcased by a 71-yard touchdown run that was unfortunately called back by penalty. Joshua Kelley looked strong, rushing for 54 yards on nine carries. Both are competing for the backup/change of pace role alongside Ekeler, who sat out the game. Coach Brandon Staley was pleased with the performance from The Athletic’s Daniel Popper: “Our running backs did a nice job of making one cut and being really decisive.” Undrafted rookie Elijah Dotson played his way into the roster conversation with 37 and 40-yard touchdown runs. Ekeler, Spiller, and Kelley are roster locks, but Popper believes Dotson’s strong summer could force them to keep four tailbacks on the 53-man roster.
Wide Receivers
Moving Keenan Allen and Mike Williams around formations remains a major story. Allen’s usage has been similar to the Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb, who offensive coordinator Kellen Moore coached in 2022. Joshua Palmer was injured in practice on Thursday. The team has not released an update, but Palmer and camp standout John Hightower sat against the Rams. Allen and Williams were healthy scratches, along with the other established starters. These absences provided rookie first-round pick Quentin Johnston with a more significant role. Johnston caught a touchdown, but the Los Angeles Times’ Jeff Miller noted that Johnston was disappointed with two drops. “I’m not satisfied. Hopefully, [I’ll] come back next week and be better.” Rookie returner Derius Davis made an impact with a punt return touchdown. The sixth roster spot could come down to Hightower and Jalen Guyton, who has also missed time.
Tight Ends
Staley praised Gerald Everett’s toughness, separation ability, and versatility. Everett has missed some time in camp, but he should be back for the regular season. The tight ends were quiet against the Rams; Donald Parham and Tre McKitty were each targeted once.
Kickers
Any doubts about Cameron Dicker's superiority over Dustin Hopkins were dispelled in the first preseason game. Dicker went 2-for-2 on field goals, including one from 50 yards, and made all four extra point attempts in the victory over the Rams.
Defense
Eric Smith of Chargers.com declared third-year cornerback Asante Samuel Jr a camp star. The team has utilized him both inside and outside, and there's a possibility of him shadowing the opponent's top player while J.C. Jackson continues to recover from injury. Lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day praised Eric Kendrick’s leadership and how it’s helping Keith Murray reach his potential: “We're able to kind of play that chess game where guys won't be out of sync, guys won't be out of whack.” Safety Derwin James loves the improved energy and vibes in camp: “It definitely feels different; the energy feels different.”
Returners
Rookie Derius Davis has stepped into the return specialist role and has been impressive during camp practices. He returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown in the team's first preseason game.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert's extension is the story at quarterback. The team expects a different version of Herbert this year, emphasizing the vertical attack; this has shown up in camp. The rest of the depth chart looks clear, with Easton Stick getting his chance to be the primary backup and rookie Max Duggan serving as the third emergency quarterback.
Running Backs
Austin Ekeler is a household name. The Athletic's Daniel Popper has just two other backs making the final 53: Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller. Chargers.com's Omar Navarro reports that new OC Kellen Moore intends to use both backs. Said Moore: "We certainly have visions for big roles for both of those guys." The team did not add meaningful competition at running back in the offseason. Zander Horvath has the fullback job on lock.
Wide Receivers
Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston, and Joshua Palmer will see the majority of reps. The team can rotate through them and offer three strong receivers always available. Popper noted Williams has been playing much more in the slot. In the past, he was almost exclusively outside. Kellen Moore wants to work to create mismatches for Allen and Williams with more diverse alignment. Alex Insdorf of SI.com relayed that the team wants to involve Allen more on early downs. From Staley: "You guys know what a big threat he is on 3rd down, but I think on early downs, we're trying to get him going a little more than he has been in years past." Derius Davis is likely a lock to serve as the team's primary kick returner. He has the speed to pitch in on offense. Popper expects Jalen Guyton to make the roster, but coming off an ACL injury and starting on PUP allows opportunities for others. USA Today's Alex Katson singled out John Hightower as the camp star, holding the current chance to make the roster if Guyton cannot start the season.
Tight Ends
Gerald Everett is the starter. Donald Parham Jr, Tre McKitty, and Stone Smartt are the favorites to round out the group. Staley had glowing comments about Everett: "That guy was a weapon for us. That was a tremendous signing for us last year. As you saw in the playoff game, that guy may have been one of the best players on the field." Moore is a big believer in the position's impact: "I think the tight end room is a very rare room, and it's a very important room for an offense because they're part of every aspect of the game. The run game, they're right in there with the O-Line in the run-game component and the techniques. They're in the passing game, obviously, with the QBs; at times, they're a protector, even in the play-action game and whatnot. Those guys have to be able to do a lot of different things.”
Kickers
Cameron Dicker and Dustin Hopkins appeared to be in even competition to be the team’s kicker coming out of OTAs. However, heading into the first preseason game, Dicker seems to have taken a decisive lead. As of this weekend, Hopkins hadn’t taken any official kicks in practice since last Thursday, and there are no injury reports. Dicker has performed well, going 30-of-34 so far in camp. The job should be his unless there's a dramatic downturn in the preseason. It remains to be seen whether the Chargers will allow Hopkins some game action, which might help him make a case to be picked up by another team, assuming the Chargers choose Dicker.
Defense
Joey Bosa has added 15-20 lbs in the offseason, aiming to play at a weight closer to his rookie year. In Staley's scheme, he had dropped weight to play more in coverage as an outside linebacker. New arrival, veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks raved about position mate Kenneth Murray, who has struggled since going in the first round in 2023, from Katson: "I don't think I've really seen a linebacker built like him and capable of doing the things he's able to do behind the ball and also in pass rush. He's very versatile, he can cover receivers one-to-one, and he's got that speed to go downfield with them." Cornerback J.C. Jackson is easing back from the knee injury that ended his season in Week 7 of 2022.
