Damage have hit the Chargers exhausting in coaching camp.
From minor setbacks sidelining Mekhi Becton and Ladd McConkey for a number of practices, to the extreme, with Najee Harris’ return date nonetheless a thriller and Rashawn Slater out for the season.
Out of an abundance of warning, coach Jim Harbaugh as soon as once more mentioned veteran starters gained’t play Sunday in opposition to the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium.
For rookies comparable to KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Nikko Reed, it’s an opportunity to construct on the promise they confirmed in final week’s preseason debuts.
Will probably be the primary direct comparability between Taylor Heinicke and Trey Lance, who’re in an surprising backup quarterback battle.
And Trey Pipkins III will get much-needed reps at proper sort out because the offensive line undergoes a reshuffle.
Battle at backup quarterback
Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke (8) fingers off to operating again Gus Edwards throughout a recreation in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 22.
(Matt Freed / Related Press)
After bouncing round three groups in 5 seasons, Lance confirmed flashes of why he was as soon as a No. 3 general decide.
His robust efficiency within the Corridor of Fame Sport — 120 yards and two touchdowns — earned him the teaching employees’s belief to compete for the backup quarterback spot alongside Heinicke.
“He’s a guy that is really diligent with his preparation,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman mentioned. “He definitely afforded himself well. … Confidence is only gained in this league on the field, and he should be confident.”
Final season, Heinicke served as the first backup behind Justin Herbert, becoming a member of the Chargers from the Atlanta Falcons for a seventh-round decide, a concerted transfer so as to add depth after final yr’s lackluster backup quarterback competitors.
Although Heinicke, who re-signed within the offseason, seems to have a leg up, Lance can have the prospect all through the preseason to show he is usually a succesful backup. The Chargers plan to play Heinicke throughout the first two collection Sunday — his preseason debut — earlier than Lance takes over for the remainder of the sport.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith shifting up 
Chargers receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith catches a move throughout a preseason recreation in opposition to the Detroit Lions on July 31 in Canton, Ohio.
(Kirk Irwin / Related Press)
As coaching camp unfolds, the Chargers might have unearthed a diamond within the tough with fifth-round decide KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the twenty first vast receiver chosen within the draft.
Roman raved about Lambert-Smith’s physique sort, pace, clean actions and intuition for monitoring the ball. These traits have shortly led to chemistry with Herbert, leading to extra targets with every apply.
Regardless of drawing solely two targets in his preseason debut, he made essentially the most of them — hauling in a 28-yard reception and turning a 15-yard slant right into a landing.
“He’s not just a one-trick pony, down-the-field guy — he’s really impressed me,” Roman mentioned. “He’s gotten a lot better with his route running. There’s still a long way to go, but he’s on that trajectory.”
Trey Pipkins III’s transfer to proper sort out 
Chargers sort out Trey Pipkins III traces as much as block in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders on Jan. 5.
(Abbie Parr / Related Press)
With Joe Alt sliding into the left sort out spot, Pipkins strikes right into a beginning position on the alternative aspect after coming into camp as a swing sort out, getting ready for a situation nobody — together with Pipkins — had hoped to see.
Harbaugh expressed confidence within the veteran — who began the preseason opener at left sort out and can now change to proper sort out — saying, “He really is one of our best guys.”
Throughout his profession, Pipkins has logged simply over 3,000 snaps and began 41 video games at sort out, a transfer he’s snug with.
“His best position is tackle, and that move was made earlier this offseason,” Harbaugh added. “I have all the confidence in the world in Trey.”
Caleb Murphy’s drive 
Chargers linebacker Caleb Murphy runs after the ball throughout a preseason recreation in opposition to the Detroit Lions on Thursday in Canton, Ohio.
(Kirk Irwin / Related Press)
From the opening kickoff this preseason, Murphy’s affect has been rapid.
A particular teamer attempting to earn defensive snaps, Murphy sprinted downfield on the primary play and compelled a fumble, organising the Chargers in scoring place. On protection, he showcased his pass-rushing potential, ending with three tackles, together with one for a loss.
In his second coaching camp with the workforce, the previous undrafted free agent is rising snug within the defensive scheme, in accordance with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Minter says the “arrow is pointing up” for Murphy in a aggressive room that additionally options fourth-round decide Kyle Kennard and second-year participant Tre’Mon Morris-Brash, all vying for the fourth edge rusher spot.
Nikko Reed’s battle 
Chargers cornerback Nikko Reed returns an interception throughout a preseason recreation in opposition to the Detroit Lions on July 31 in Canton, Ohio.
(Kirk Irwin / Related Press)
With returning cornerbacks Tarheeb Nonetheless, Cam Hart and Ja’Sir Taylor — plus free-agent additions Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste — the percentages are slim for an undrafted rookie to interrupt into the rotation.
However Nikko Reed, the previous Oregon Duck who has gone from digital unknown to creating high-impact protection performs virtually every day, is attempting to beat the percentages. His execution has translated from apply right into a preseason recreation, with a close to 60-yard pick-six final week.
“He’s definitely got a knack for making those types of plays,” Minter mentioned.
Minter now desires to see if Reed can “take that next step” and persistently be that participant — “doing that in practice, doing that in a couple more games.”
