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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert returned to practice and made an immediate impact. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper noted that the sounds of practice noticeably changed with Herbert’s velocity back on display. Coach Jim Harbaugh commented on the difference: "I thought I heard music. Voices of angels, maybe.” Herbert practiced all week without any drop-off from his time away. Receiver Ladd McConkey noted the difference from backup Easton Stick, saying, “You have to be ready any and every time. Even when you feel like you’re not open, he can throw you open.” Popper also mentioned the possibility of Stick being replaced following the initial roster cuts, with Harbaugh expected to overhaul the roster aggressively.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are the co-featured backs for the Chargers. Popper sees the duo as central to the team’s offense. Kimani Vidal has cemented his spot as the third back. Jaret Patterson’s strong preseason has decided to roster four running backs more difficult. Don’t rule out coordinator Greg Roman using three or four backs in a single game, as he often did while coaching the Ravens.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Chargers.com’s Omar Navarro caught up with McConkey, who is optimistic about the offense’s development: “I think where we’re at is good. Obviously, we want to continue building that as we go into Week 1, but just getting on the same page is the biggest thing.” McConkey has emerged as a team leader. Quentin Johnston has dramatically improved in his second camp, becoming a consistent target. Eric Smith of Chargers.com noted, “With camp wrapping up this week, it’s clear that Johnston is a better and more refined player than he was at this point a year ago.” Josh Palmer, D.J. Chark Jr, and Derius Davis all have roster spots locked up. Expect a rotation among the top four of McConkey, Palmer, Chark, and Johnston. Davis is the primary returner and has consistently mixed in with the first-team offense, showcasing his speed with a 70-yard touchdown on a reverse in the preseason. Simi Fehoko and Brendan Rice are competing for the sixth spot, with Fehoko making a solid case after a great preseason camp and emerging as a key special teams player.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
Popper projects Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, and Stone Smartt will make the final roster. Donald Parham—who has been with the team for four years—has struggled to develop his blocking to the necessary level. In Roman’s offense, blocking from the tight end position is crucial. None of the three tight ends have fully emerged as a standout, but Smartt, a converted receiver, has the highest ceiling as a playmaker.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The defense will feature a wealth of experience, headlined by stars like Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Derwin James. Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman are the starting linebackers in the middle, with Henley impressing in camp and showing star potential. Rookie Junior Colson’s appendectomy slowed his first camp, and he was on a pitch count, but the team hopes Colson can eventually supplant Perryman and form a young duo with Henley. Cornerback Kristian Fulton and rookie edge rusher Tre’Mon Morris Brash have been consistent playmakers throughout camp.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Derius Davis is set to reprise his role as the team’s top return specialist.
Updates from Week 3
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert shed the walking boot last week. Coach Jim Harbaugh was his typical loquacious self, saying, “It felt like progress. He is on track.” Herbert threw lightly on the field during warmups against the Rams and was throwing on the sideline during the game. He is on track to play Week 1. Easton Stick has struggled as the nominal starter with Herbert out. The Athletic’s Daniel Popper went deep on the topic. Stick has the worst EPA per dropback of any quarterback this preseason. The offense has not scored a touchdown. Harbaugh on the performance: “I would like to see another week of improvement from Easton that I saw this week.” There is an increasing feeling that the backup quarterback will be added after other teams make roster cuts.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins did not play against the Rams. Dobbins was interviewed by Kay Adams on “Up & Adams,” saying people are going to see “‘College’ J.K. Dobbins.” Offensive coordinator Greg Roman on the backfield behind Edwards and Dobbins: “To be decided. Right now, it’s a competition… The opportunity’s there. These guys are gonna get a lot of opportunities this game.” Rookie Kimani Vidal had his first positive week of practice, translating into a strong performance in the Rams game. Harbaugh on Vidal: “He was getting low, getting his pads down. Showing some elusiveness, pushing the pile.”
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, D.J. Chark Jr, Quentin Johnston, and Derius Davis have five wide receiver spots locked up. Palmer touched on the offense: “I think we're still growing as an offense. Even when Justin was here, I feel we were still growing as an offense... Now we're in preseason mode, so we're just trying to get the nuts and bolts together.” McConkey made his preseason debut against former college quarterback Stetson Bennett. Johnston’s continued development has the team excited. Popper noted multiple key plays against the Rams as evidence. Harbaugh addressed Johnston’s progress: "I've seen good, steady improvement. When he's playing his technique and doing his job, it looks how it should." Johnston has taken some kick returns in practice, as Derius Davis missed some time. Brendan Rice and Simi Fehoko are battling for the sixth and final wide receiver spot. Fehoko was the leading receiver against the Rams and has become a core special teamer.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
The top three tight ends are Hayden Hurst, Will Dissly, and Stone Smartt. Hurst has been out of practice since taking a big hit in the Seattle game. The team signed Tucker Fisk, who immediately got some first-team work. Donald Parham Jr. is firmly on the roster bubble. He missed seven practices, but Popper reports he flashed for the first time this camp this week. Roman on Parham: “He’s doing some good things. So we’ll see where it goes.” Parham has consistently struggled as a blocker, which is a significant need out of the position in this offensive system. Popper also notes offensive lineman Jordan McFadden and defensive lineman Scott Matlock have worked with the tight ends, which could limit the room to only three.
Preseason Updates: Defense
Edge rushers are the team's strength, with Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bud Dupree at the top of the rotation. Chris Rumph was trending toward making it a five-man room, but a significant foot injury in the Seattle game cast doubt on his future. Popper highlighted rookie Tremon Morris-Brash as the player making the most of his opportunity. Rookie linebacker Junior Colson was able to return to camp after an appendectomy. He made an impact immediately. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter on Colson: “We drafted him where we drafted him for a reason. We think he’s a really good player.” Derwin James was able to return to practice after missing some time.
Preseason Updates: Offensive Lines
Although the tackles of left tackle Rashawn Slater and right tackle Joe Alt (Round 1 – Notre Dame) have elite skill sets, the center position has become a concern for the Chargers this offseason. First, Corey Linsley announced his retirement early in the summer. The team brought in center Bradley Bozeman (Carolina) to replace Linsley, but Bozeman has been mysteriously absent from practice for the last week. Brenden Jamies has been taking snaps in his place. Assuming Bozeman's healthy for Week 1, this talented run-first group ranks 16th overall.
Updates from Week 2
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Injuries have continued to be a major storyline in Chargers camp. Due to plantar fascia issues, Justin Herbert has been in a walking boot for most of the last two weeks. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the vibe around Herbert is “concern, but not panic.” Head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the current offensive struggles under Easton Stick, saying, “There are very few people in the world that can do what Justin Herbert does.” The Athletic’s Daniel Popper reported on the state of the offense, noting that offensive coordinator Greg Roman is focusing on the basics in practice, such as “Are we using the right footwork?” rather than scheming against the defense. Stick started against the Seahawks and played the first half, completing 5 of 13 passes for 31 yards and an interception. Harbaugh acknowledged, “Offensively, we underperformed,” while Stick described his performance as “frustrating.” Max Duggan and the recently signed Luis Perez also saw playing time, but neither fared much better than Stick.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The running game has also struggled. Harbaugh pointed out that the offensive issues are “widespread” and involve “all 11 guys.” J.K. Dobbins' injury recovery continues to be a story. Roman expressed confidence in Dobbins, stating, “I think he’s doing good; he’s right on schedule. Feeling really good about J.K.” Daniel Jeremiah of Move the Sticks is bullish on Dobbins, advising fantasy football players to draft him, noting, “Dobbins has zero adjustments to the offense.” Dobbins and Gus Edwards are listed as co-starters, with Isaiah Spiller, Jaret Patterson, Elijah Dotson, and Kimani Vidal following. The offense is committed to the run game, but it needs to find its rhythm quickly.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Daniel Popper spent time in the receiver room after Day 14 of camp, reporting that the top three spots appear set with Ladd McConkey, Joshua Palmer, and D.J. Chark Jr. Derius Davis is the primary returner. Quentin Johnston still has potential, and the team is not considering releasing him. Simi Fehoko, Brendan Rice, and Jaylen Johnson have had strong camps. McConkey returned to practice late in the week after missing six days due to injury. Palmer continues to have issues with the same knee that ended his 2023 season. He pointed at his knee during practice earlier in the week but managed to return later. Rice has consistently received praise from Roman, who said, “He’s doing a lot of really good things. Love his attitude; he can run all day.” Rice played 81% of the snaps versus Seattle.
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
The depth chart is led by Will Dissly, followed by Hayden Hurst, Donald Parham Jr., and Stone Smartt. The tight ends have not generated much buzz in camp, with all four having opportunities to play with the first team.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The defense has been a consistent bright spot in Jesse Minter’s first season as coordinator. Harbaugh praised the unit after the preseason game against Seattle, saying, “I thought our defense played winning football. There was a lot of real good from my eye on the field. Did a lot of things right.” This follows a dominating scrimmage against the Rams the previous weekend. Joey Bosa suffered an injury during joint practices with the Rams, but he’s expected to be ready by Week 1. Star safety Derwin James hinted at the possibility of playing offense, saying, “Harbaugh might have a package this year for me, telling y’all first. I’m serious.” Cornerback Kristian Fulton has consistently stood out in camp.
Preseason Updates: Returners
Derius Davis is set to reprise his role as the top return specialist in 2024.
Updates from Week 1
If you're in a hurry, check out Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know From Every Team This Week.
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
The Chargers' history of poor injury luck continues in Jim Harbaugh’s first season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that franchise quarterback Justin Herbert has been diagnosed with a plantar fascia injury in his right foot. Schefter provided a grim prognosis: “He may be back for the start of the regular season, but he’s going to be playing through some discomfort in that foot for, I think, potentially, the whole regular season.” During the preseason, the focus will be on backups Easton Stick and Max Duggan. Harbaugh has put Stick in a gold jersey, typically reserved for the starting quarterback, indicating he is taking all the first-team reps. Harbaugh was non-committal about Herbert’s status, saying only, “No update,” and referring to the team's statement on social media.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
The running back room underwent a massive overhaul, with Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley replaced by Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, and Kimani Vidal. Edwards missed the first week of camp but has since returned to split first-team reps with Dobbins. Jaret Patterson stepped in with the first team during Edwards's absence. Vidal is among the growing list of injured players.
Preseason Updates: Wide Receivers
Like the running backs, the wide receiver group has seen significant changes. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Alex Erickson, Jalen Guyton, and Keelan Doss are no longer with the team. Seven rookies are in camp, headlined by Ladd McConkey, Brendan Rice, and Cornelius Johnson, with veteran D.J. Chark Jr also joining. McConkey, Josh Palmer, and Chark formed the starting trio early in camp. However, McConkey is dealing with a lower-body injury, missing practice towards the end of the week. Harbaugh mentioned that McConkey is “working through something.” Second-year player Derius Davis, primarily a returner last season, has impressed as a receiver in camp. Rice has also received first-team reps, with Harbaugh acknowledging his strong play. Coach Harbaugh defended Quentin Johnston against what he sees as unfair criticism, “I just think he got a bad rap. In somebody’s mind, he was a disappointment. He hasn’t been at all in my eyes. I mean, I see a big, fast, strong receiver.”
Preseason Updates: Tight Ends
The tight end position also saw a makeover, with Gerald Everett leaving for Chicago. Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly were brought in to compete with Donald Parham and Stone Smartt for the starting spot. Parham has missed parts of the offseason, giving Dissly and Hurst more opportunities with the first team.
Preseason Updates: Defense
The most significant defensive change came at interior linebacker, with Harbaugh drafting his former player Junior Colson in the third round and bringing back Denzel Perryman, originally drafted by the Chargers in 2015. They will replace Kenneth Murray and Eric Kendricks. Defensive lineman Poona Ford was another free agent signing, and the team used a fourth-round pick on Alabama’s Justin Eboigbe. Sebastian Joseph-Day, who led the defensive line in sacks, has departed. Kristian Fulton is the last notable new arrival in the secondary. According to Chargers.com’s Eric Smith, the defense has been ahead of the offense in camp. Harbaugh commented, “Our defense was really impressive today. That’s super encouraging. You’d much rather see that early in camp than you would the offense gashing. We’re progressing well.” Cornerbacks Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr. have been standouts in camp.
