Preseason Updates: Los Angeles Chargers

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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 2

Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks

Justin Herbert's camp has been shaped by the return of wide receiver Keenan Allen and the season-ending loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater. With Slater out, 2024 top-five pick Joe Alt shifts to left tackle and Trey Pipkins III moves to right tackle. Herbert responded to the news with one of his sharpest practices, completing all five red-zone throws in team drills, including touchdowns to Tyler Conklin and Quentin Johnston, plus a seam strike to Allen between two defenders. His connection with Allen appears intact after a year apart. Taylor Heinicke started against New Orleans but went just 1-for-5. Trey Lance took over, showing off his mobility with 48 yards and a touchdown on seven carries while leading a 14-play scoring drive. Lance's legs mitigated shaky pass protection, and he is trending toward winning the backup job, though Coach Harbaugh won't address the competition publicly.

Preseason Updates: Running Backs

Najee Harris remains on the non-football injury list after a July 4 eye injury, and his availability for Week 1 is uncertain. Harris' absence has established rookie Omarion Hampton as the unquestioned lead back. He has taken the first rep in every key practice period and was given the opening two carries in the team's run-heavy Aug. 6 session. His most impressive moment came on his first explosive run of camp, a 20-yard burst in which he followed strong blocking to the left, shook safety R.J. Mickens, and accelerated into the open field. Hampton runs with a blend of vision, power, and burst that fits perfectly in Harbaugh's preferred downhill scheme. He was held out of the Saints game, a clear indication of his importance to the offense. Behind him, Hassan Haskins, Raheim Sanders, Jaret Patterson, and Kimani Vidal have rotated. Sanders, who returned from injury last week, led the team with 42 rushing yards and a touchdown against New Orleans. Haskins remains a strong roster candidate for his special teams value and connection to Harbaugh. Vidal started in Hampton's absence versus the Saints, and Patterson sat out with an injury.