2026 Los Angeles Chargers training camp: Latest intel, updates
The 2026 NFL training camps have kicked off around the league, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. Chargers reporter Kris Rhim has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and of course the quarterback room.
What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Chargers camp. Who are the breakout players to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?
Catch up on all the updates, including the Chargers' top camp performer and biggest lingering question as preseason games begin.
Camp updates for all 32 NFL teams
Latest from Chargers camp
Who is the Chargers' top performer so far at camp?
Undrafted cornerbacks Rodney Shelley and Avery Smith tie for the standout performer award. Last season, it was UDFA's Nikko Reed and Eric Rogers who were the stars of camp and made the Chargers' 53-man roster, and general manager Joe Hortiz has found a pair that could do the same.
Shelley and Smith have been mentioned throughout camp by their teammates and coaches. They've had sticky coverage, pass breakups and Smith has had multiple interceptions. They'll make the final roster calls tough.
What still needs to be answered over the course of preseason games?
The starter at left guard. These games will be essential for the team to find its fifth and final offensive line starter. Their battle is a lengthy one with five players in the mix: Kayode Awosika, Trevor Penning, Branson Taylor, Jake SlaughterandTrey Pipkins III..
Coach Jim Harbaugh wants to make a decision soon, and his rough timeline ends before the team's second preseason game. So Thursday night's preseason game against the Texans will be significant in the race for the starter.
Tuesday, Aug. 11
The defense dominated Tuesday's padded practice, with defensive tackle Teair Tart and cornerback Donte Jackson among the most active players.
Tart had at least two pressures that likely would have resulted in sacks of quarterback Justin Herbert, bursting through the interior offensive line. Khalil Mack also appeared to share one of those would-be sacks with Tart. Tart was disruptive against the run throughout practice as well.
Jackson had two interceptions and a pass breakup. He first intercepted Herbert after jumping a route on a pass intended for JaQuae Jackson. Later, Donte Jacksonmade a nearly identical play against DJ Uiagalelei, jumping another pass intended for JaQuae Jackson.
More observations:
Wide receiverTre' Harrisgot a win against cornerback Donte Jackson in 1-on-1s, making a contested catch as he fell to the ground despite tight coverage from Jackson.
Tight end Charlie Kolar had a nice catch over safetyDerwin James Jr.on a good ball from Justin Herbert.
Outside linebacker Akheem Mesidor blew by OL Travis Burke on a rep that might have resulted in a sack of QB Trey Lance. Mesidor also easily shed OL Branson Taylor on a Kimani Vidal run that likely would've been stopped in the backfield.
Defensive tacke Jahmeer Carter has stood out recently. He had a powerful win against Jake Slaughter in 1-on-1s that knocked Slaughter off balance. Carter also blew up a Vidal run in 11-on-11.
Safety Devin Grant intercepted quarterback Uiagalelei.
Linebackers Daiyan Henley and Bud Dupree and OL Cole Strange left the team period early and worked off to the side with strength coach Ben Herbert.
Outside linebacker Andre Carter, who had his first practice yesterday, batted down a Lance pass at the line of scrimmage.
Wide receiver Derius Davis had a nice catch down the sideline near the end of practice. It was an impressive throw from Justin Herbert, who fit the ball over a cornerback underneath and a safety over the top.
Slaughter, Taylor and Kayode Awosika rotated at left guard.
Monday, Aug. 10
Left tackle Rashawn Slater and cornerback Tarheeb Still missed practice for the third straight day. Coach Jim Harbaugh originally said Slater's absence two days ago was part of a veteran rest day, but his continued absence suggests there may be more to it. The Chargers have not provided a reason for Still's absence.
In Slater's absence, Branson Taylor andTrey Pipkins IIIhave played left tackle, and Cam Hart has taken the bulk of snaps at outside in place of Still. Before, Still and Hart rotated with the first group.
More observations:
- Jake Slaughter and Kayode Awosika rotated at left guard, offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said "no one's eliminated themselves from the tournament."
- McDaniel ran across the field yelling, "Great job,Joe Alt" during practice Monday after Alt blocked outside linebacker Khalil Mack on a screen, something the Chargers have struggled to do throughout camp. McDaniel said Alt has "exceeded my expectations that were pretty high coming in" and called him an "over-the-top pleasant surprise."
- McDaniel said he'll use running backs Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell in probably every game this season, with the workload depending on the opponent and "hot hand."
Sunday, Aug. 9
During the first 11v11 period of Sunday's practice, the crowd roared for a Quentin Johnston reception that quarterback Justin Herbert perfectly placed by the outstretched arms of cornerback Nikko Reed.
But had this not been training camp, Herbert likely would've been on his back or running for life before that ball had the chance to be released. Outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu -- rushing from the interior on a front that featured Justin Eboigbe, Akheem Mesidor and Khalil Mack -- put a swift spin move on center Tyler Biadasz and was in Herbert's lap as the play was beginning. This sequence was a microcosm of Sunday's practice, as the defensive line controlled the day, constantly putting pressure on quarterbacks and stopping running plays before they could begin.
More observations:
- Branson Taylor, Kayode Awosika and Jake Slaughter rotated at left guard throughout practice.
- Cornerback Tarheeb Still and left tackle Rashawn Slater both missed practice for a second straight day. Trey Pipkins and Taylor played left tackle in his absence.
- Tre' Harris was active throughout practice with several receptions.
- Avery Smith blew up a running play on a blitz, drawing celebrations from the defense.
- Junior Colson pressured DJ Uiagalelei into a throw that landed in the hands of cornerback Isas Waxter, but Waxter dropped the interception.
- Kyle Kennard had perhaps his best practice of camp, with several impressive wins in one-on-ones and pressures during 11-on-11 periods.
- Trevor Penning had a good day, holding up well in one-on-ones and during team periods while working with the second and third groups.
- Mesidor had one of the most impressive one-on-one wins of practice, beating Joe Alt cleanly with a spin move.
Saturday, Aug. 8
Rookie left guard Jake Slaughter got his first reps with the group blocking for Justin Herbert in a padded practice this training camp. The Chargers drafted Slaughter -- who played only center in college -- to be the team's starter at left guard, but he seemed to fall out of favor through camp as veteran Kayode Awosika and second-year lineman Branson Taylor emerged.
Slaughter fared well in his reps at guard, showing a firm anchor when pressured from defensive tackles and the ability to pick up defensive stunts. His best moment came on a pancake block of defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, but he was also beaten badly on a rep by defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe.
More observations:
- Offensve lineman Trevor Penning appears to be falling back in the competition for the starting left guard job. He continues to work largely with the group, blocking for DJ Uiagalelei, though that could still change.
- Rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson made an impressive toe-tap catch down the left sideline that drew a roar from the crowd.
- Outside linebacker Khalil Mack was explosive throughout practice and had several would-be sacks. Tuli Tuipulotu and Nadame Tucker were also consistently disruptive off the edge.
- Defensive tackles Jamaree Caldwell, Teair Tart and Eboigbe continued to disrupt the run game and generate pressure on the quarterback.
- Uiagalelei, may have had the throw of the day, a 50 or so yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Derius Davis.
- Herbert continues to be sharp and on target with his receivers. It appears he -- and the other quarterbacks -- has grown comfortable with the timing of McDaniel's offense. Receivers are getting passes early and in space.
Thursday, Aug. 6
The Chargers' five-man race for guard continued Thursday with a new twist, as second-year lineman Branson Taylor took all the reps with quarterback Justin Herbert's group at left guard. Before Thursday, two players had rotated at left guard, but Taylor got all of the reps with the first group in the team's first true padded practice.
Taylor, a sixth-round pick in last year's draft who didn't make the 2025 53-man roster, was mainly a practice squad player last season. One year later, it seems that he has impressed the staff enough to have a legitimate shot at starting. On Thursday, Taylor fared well, creating running lanes and protecting Herbert throughout, a much-improved version of the player at camp last year.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said on Wednesday that veteran Kayode Awosika was leading the race to start, and that Taylor, Pipkins, Trevor Penning and rookie Jake Slaughter were in the mix.
More observations:
- OLBTuli Tuipulotu participated in team drills during Wednesday's padded practice, his second day in a row after not participating in team drills for the first six days of training camp. Harbaugh originally said that Tuipulotu's absence was being "handled internally," then later said it was a "ramp up." Neither Tuipulotu, his representatives, or the Chargers have acknowledged a contract-related absence, but his return to the field signals that whatever matter was being handled internally is resolved.
- Rookie SGenesis Smith intercepted Justin Herbert after a pass went through Charlie Kolar's hands.
- CBDonte Jackson had an impressive diving pass breakup on a pass by QBTrey Lance during 7-on-7 that led to an interception by safety Elijah Molden.
- DTJustin Eboigbe continued his strong camp, consistently generating interior pressure
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, who has been a limited participant in practice this training camp amid ongoing contract negotiations, was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. The caveat is that the practice was a walkthrough, so Tuipulotu and the other Chargers players were going at half speed. He still has yet to participate in a non-walkthrough practice 11-on-11 period, but his participation on Wednesday could be a sign that things could be headed toward a resolution.
More observations:
- After an injury scare Tuesday scare to the same left leg in which he sustained a season-ending patellar tendon rupture last year, left tackle Rashawn Slater was a full participant in practice Wednesday without any limitations.
- Branson Taylor and Trevor Penning rotated at left guard, continuing the five man race for this starting job. Rookie Jake Slaughter continues to play center with the second group.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
The Chargers had their first major injury scare Tuesday as left tackle Rashawn Slater appeared to sustain an injury to his left leg at practice. Slater went to the medical tent with a trainer and then did some on-field testing but didn't return to practice. Branson Taylor and Trey Pipkins III rotated at tackle in his absence.
Slater ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee during last year's training camp, which forced him to miss the entire season. He appeared in good spirits after practice, walking around and taking pictures with his family.
Quarterback Justin Herbert said that Slater told him he was healthy enough to return to the field.
"He said he wanted to be out there, so I think that's okay," Herbert said.
More observations:
- OLB Tuli Tuipulotu participated in one 7-on-7 rep but did not take part in the remainder of team drills, marking his sixth straight practice with limited participation as his contract situation remains unresolved.
- Coach Jim Harbaugh said that Kayode Awosika is leading the competition to start at left guard, but added that Pipkins, Jake Slaughter and Taylor are all in the mix. Harbaugh said that he'd like to name a starter after the next ten practices.
- The offense came out sharp, with Herbert completing his first eight passes before safety RJ Mickens broke up a pass. From there, the offense and defense traded wins throughout the rest of practice.
- S Kendall Williamson intercepted Herbert on a pass that was intended for wide receiver Ladd McConkey. "That was nice. He snagged it," Derwin James Jr.said.
- OLBNadame Tuckerhad one of his best practices of camp, consistently generating pressure and recording three would-be sacks.
- DT Teair Tart was disruptive throughout, including what likely would have been at least one sack. The Chargers' interior defensive line generated pressure throughout the day.
Monday, Aug. 3
Monday's practice was one of the better days for the defense, as they were constantly disruptive throughout. Undrafted cornerbacks Rodney Shelley and Avery Smith were among the stars. Smith continued his strong start to camp with another good day, as he intercepted quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and had an impressive pass breakup on a Justin Herbert pass. Shelley was sticky in coverage throughout and had a few pass breakups, celebrating after each.
The rookies will have their first NFL training camp practice in pads on Tuesday at the University of San Diego, a chance to affirm the way they've been playing.
More observations:
- Edge rusherTuli Tuipulotu continued to not participate in team drills, continuing his limited participation as his contract situation remains unresolved.
- Rookie Jake Slaughter and Kayode Awosika split reps at left guard as the competition for that spot continues.
- Second-year wide receiverKeAndre Lambert-Smith, who has been quiet so far, made one of the top highlights of the day with impressive downfield catch while cornerback Deane Leonard was draped in coverage.
- Quentin Johnston also produced another offensive highlight, tracking a perfectly placed deep ball from Herbert over the outstretched arms of safety Derwin James Jr. along one sideline.
Saturday, Aug. 1
Coach Jim Harbaugh declined to say whether outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu's absence from team drills at practice is contract-related, saying only the situation is being "handled internally" and repeatedly describing Tuipulotu as "ramping up."
Tuipulotu hasn't taken part in team drills amid contract negotiations since camp began this week, as he is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. He finished sixth in the NFL in sacks last season.
Without Tuipulotu again Saturday, rookie Akheem Mesidor flashed, looking explosive coming off of the edge throughout practice.
More observations:
- Saturday marked perhaps the highest-energy practice as the Chargers offense had its best day this week. Wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Derius Davis caught deep passes that energized the crowd at the Chargers facility.
- Cornerback Donte Jackson was active in coverage with a couple of pass breakups, causing fans to cheer in reaction.
Friday, July 31
Friday's practice was at half-speed, walkthrough pace, but the most significant development came at left guard.Trey Pipkins IIIbegan with the first group blocking for quarterback Justin Herbert, the first time he's done so this week. Throughout camp and the offseason program,Kayode Awosika, Trevor Penningand rookie Jake Slaughter have rotated at left guard, with Awosika getting most of the reps with Herbert.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this offseason that the race for a starter at left guard would be between these four players. This is the first time that Pipkins has gotten reps with the top group.
Still, offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel cautioned against looking too much into the rep distribution, noting that the real evaluation will come with padded practices next week.
"It's much different when you have 300 pounds of mass on your edge," McDaniel said, "and a subtle 6-inch step determines whether or not you can actually execute that block."
More observations:
- Tuli Tuipulotu continued not to practice amid ongoing contract negotiations. He went through individual drills, worked off to the side with a trainer and watched practice.
- Wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey said that McDaniel has changed the way they run routes, particularly by emphasizing how quickly they finish the top of a route and locate the football. "We weren't all the way used to running routes like that," Johnston said.
Thursday, July 30
Tuli Tuipulotu didn't practice for the second straight day amid ongoing contract negotiations, but he did more on the field work with teammates than on the opening day of camp. On Thursday, Tuipulotu wore a helmet and jersey and went through individual drills with the team before working off to the side with a trainer. On Wednesday, he was in a T-shirt and shorts and worked off to the side with a trainer.
"We miss him out there," defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary said. "We miss how vocal he is and the plays that he makes."
More observations:
- It's difficult for lineman to truly have an impact without pads, but defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe made plays Thursday that drew praises from defensive line coach Mike Elston throughout the day. The Chargers are hopeful Eboigbe takes a step as a pass rusher in his third season.
- Wide receivers Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Brenen Thompson were active in the passing offense and were quarterbackJustin Herbert's favorite targets on Day 2.
Wednesday, July 29
Chargers outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu was the only player not to practice on Day 1 of training camp. The team has not officially disclosed the reason for his absence, but with extension talks ongoing, it appears to be contract related.
SafetyDerwin James Jr.,who held out of practice before signing his own extension in 2022, suggested Tuipulotu is in a similar situation.
"It's just the process of it, man," he said. "The team loves him. We love Tuli. I knew the team loved me too when I had the same similar situation, but sometimes that stuff takes longer to iron out."
Tuipulotu has established himself as one of the league's top young pass rushers over his first three seasons. His 13 sacks last season ranked sixth in the NFL, and he's in line for a significant extension. His representatives and the Chargers have discussed a new deal throughout the offseason, but no agreement has been reached. He is scheduled to earn $5.767 million this season.
More observations:
- Quarterback Justin Herbert looked comfortable in his new shotgun stance implemented by offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, he was on target and had good timing with receivers throughout the day. Herbert seemed particularly impressed with rookie wide receiverBrenen Thompson, who he connected with on a crossing route. "He's gonna be very good. We saw it early on that he was gonna be," Herbert said. "He's skilled. He's fast. He's gonna make a lot of plays for us."
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