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[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Friday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Check out pictures from Thursday’s practice for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

Here’s why Mekhi Becton is ready to go for Week One after missing three weeks of camp (Chargers.com)

Ladd McConkey received a massive compliment from a NBA star (Bolt Beat)

The Cowboys robbed a waiver claim from the Chargers (Charger Report)

NFL News:​

Four questions in the aftermath of the Micah Parsons trade (ESPN)

Harrison Smith is expected to return and make a full recovery from a personal health issue (ESPN)

Grading each side in the Micah Parsons trade (CBS Sports)

Darren Waller is still knocking some rust off as Week One in the NFL approaches (NFL.com)

Za’Darius Smith returning to the Lions is a possibility (Pro Football Talk)

Ranking the 60 most influential people of the 2025 NFL season (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...60028/chargers-daily-links-friday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Fan confidence in Chargers falls after offseason

As the offseason began, confidence in the Los Angeles Chargers grew — for good reason. A strong team with a head coach known for delivering success and back-to-back solid drafts. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s defense looked to only improve and all things were shaping up well. But since the end of the offseason and over the course of the preseason, the Chargers have gone through some tribulations; our poll results from earlier in the week, sponsored by FanDuel Sportsbook, saw a drop in fan confidence.

It unfortunately makes sense that confidence has faltered. The loss of arguably the best all-around football player on the team, left tackle Rashawn Slater, suffered a season-ending ruptured patellar tendon. And though the team landed wide receiver Keenan Allen to replace Mike Williams after his sudden retirement, the loss of Slater is significant.

But not all are among the plurality of lesser confidence. Nearly one-third of Chargers fans have the same confidence as before. And nearly one-fourth of fans listened to training camp reports, watched the preseason and came away more confident than before.

Now, it’s up to the Chargers to deliver on expectations. It begins on Friday, September 5 at 5 p.m. Bolt time in Brazil.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-confidence-in-chargers-falls-after-offseason

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers make handful of roster moves, add new RB to practice squad

The Chargers are already busy getting their preparation underway for Week One of the 2025 NFL regular season and it has begun with a handful of roster moves announced on Sunday afternoon.

Firstly, the Chargers announced the signings of wide receiver Luke Grimm and running back Amar Johnson. Grimm rejoins the Bolts after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in April while Johnson joins the team following a recent workout.

In corresponding moves to make room for both Grim and Johnson, the Chargers released offensive guard Karsen Barnhart from the practice squad and placed wide receiver Jalen Reagor on the practice squad; injured list.

we’ve made the following roster moves:

signed to practice squad: WR Luke Grimm and RB Amar Johnson

released from practice squad: G Karsen Barnhart

placed on practice squad; injured: WR Jalen Reagor pic.twitter.com/kSNl0bXDfT

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 31, 2025

Johnson played collegiately at South Dakota State before going undrafted earlier this year. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Packers and had a notable preseason performance, including this extremely impressive 39-yard touchdown run:

Former @GoJacksFB RB Amar Johnson gets himself a Lambeau Leap in his preseason debut. Far and away the highlight of the night for Green Bay. pic.twitter.com/GDQuxmQP97

— Jay Elsen – Midco Sports (@ElsenMidco) August 10, 2025

Grimm flashed himself during the preseason when he returned a punt against the Rams for a 66-yard touchdown. However, that highlight was essentially washed away following two turnovers against the 49ers in the preseason finale. Grimm impressed early in camp and it looks like the coaching staff wasn’t ready to quit him just yet.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-of-roster-moves-add-new-rb-to-practice-squad

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Chiefs Wednesday Injury Report: Najee Harris FULL

It’s officially the regular season and we’ve got our first Chargers injury report of the new campaign. With the Chargers playing the second game of the year on Friday, their reports are starting a day earlier than usual compared to the normal Wednesday.

As it goes with these early reports of the season, they’re a little light on names and this one os luckily no different. Only two names grace the report in running back Najee Harris (eye) and safety Elijah Molden (knee). Harris recorded a full practice which seems quite insane given that he missed so much time and has only been practicing for roughly two weeks. As for Molden, he was a limited participant with the knee injury he sustained against the Bucs in the latter half of last season.

tuesday’s #KCvsLAC injury report pic.twitter.com/fkwojmuXee

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 2, 2025

Here’s to hoping that this list only shrinks or stays the same as the next few days roll on.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/ch...60182/chargers-chiefs-wednesday-injury-report

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers vs. Chiefs By The Numbers:

Welcome to the first By The Numbers of the 2025 NFL season!

For those who are new at BFTB this season, each Wednesday during the season we like to give you guys a “screenshot” of the week’s matchup to give you a quick and simple way to compare and contrast the Chargers with their opponent. This week, of course, is the Kansas City Chiefs.

Normally the numbers presented are each team’s stats up to that point in the schedule, but since this is Week One, we are refreshing you all with where both teams ended up at the end of the 2024 regular season.

Alright now, let’s go ahead and dive in!

Chargers Offense​

Total yards per game: 324.2 (20th)
Points per game: 23.6 (11th)
Passing yards per game: 213.5 (19th)
Rushing yards per game: 110.7 (17th)

Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 3,870 passing yards, 23 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB J.K. Dobbins – 905
Rushing touchdowns: RB J.K. Dobbins – 9
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 1,149
Receptions: WR Ladd McConkey – 82
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 8

Chargers Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 324.4 (11th)
Points allowed per game: 17.7 (1st)
Passing yards allowed per game: 206.9 (7th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 117.5 (14th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley 147
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 11
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 8.5
Passes Defended: CB Tarheeb Still – 10
Interceptions: CB Tarheeb Still – 4
Forced fumbles: EDGE Khalil Mack, EDGE Joey Bosa – 2
Fumble recoveries: S Elijah Molden – 2

Chiefs Offense​

Total yards per game: 327.6 (17th)
Points per game: 22.6 (15th)
Passing yards per game: 222.4 (22nd)
Rushing yards per game: 22.6 (15th)

Top Performers

Passing: QB Patrick Mahomes – 3,928 passing yards, 26 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Kareem Hiunt – 728
Rushing touchdowns: RB Isiah Paheco – 7
Receiving yards: TE Travis Kelce – 823
Receptions: TE Travis Kelce – 97
Receiving Touchdowns: WR Xavier Worthy – 6

Chiefs Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 320.6 (9th)
Points allowed per game: 19.2 (4th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 218.8 (18th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 101.8 (8th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Nick Bolton – 106
Tackles for loss: LB Nick Bolton – 11
Sacks: EDGE George Karlaftis – 8
Passes Defended: CB Trent McDuffie – 13
Interceptions: DB Jaden Hicks – 3
Forced fumbles: LB Leo Chenal – 3
Fumble recoveries: LB Nick Bolton, LB Drue Tranquill – 2

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/los-angeles-chargers-news/60168/chargers-vs-chiefs-by-the-numbers

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Chiefs Wednesday Injury Report: Elijah Molden upgraded to FULL

The Chargers released their injury report from Thursday’s practice and fortunately it is even cleaner than their Wednesday report that included just two names. Those two names remain, but safety Elijah Molden has now been upgraded to a full participant ahead of Friday’s game after being limited on Wednesday.

Running back Najee Harris remains on the injury report but was once again a full participant. Earlier on Thursday, head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that Harris WILL play against the Chiefs on Friday, but it remains to be seen just how big his workload will be.

Full Wednesday injury report for #Chargers and Chiefs pic.twitter.com/zq0Lyx908S

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 3, 2025

“He says he’s ready, and he looks ready to go. Get in there and play football and have at it. That’s kid of the mindset. Not kind of — that is the mindset.”

Either way, the Chargers will be as close to full health as possible following Rashawn Slater’s season-ending injury. With one more day to go, I don’t see much changing ahead of Friday’s opener.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/ch...-injury-report-elijah-molden-upgraded-to-full

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

3 Things to Watch for against the Chiefs: Will Najee Harris make an impact?

The Chargers play football this week and as of writing this, we’re almost 24 hours away from kickoff in Brazil.

It cannot come soon enough!

As we always do here at BFTB before each week’s contest, here are three things to watch for when the Chargers take the field against the Chiefs in Brazil!

1.) How will the run game look against one of the league’s best defenses out of the gate? Just how many snaps will Najee Harris see?

Jim Harbaugh confirmed to the media on Thursday morning that rookie running back Omarion Hampton will get the start against the Chiefs over veteran Najee Harris. This was the expectation following all the time missed by Harris due to his eye injury during camp, but now we officially have it confirmed. Harbaugh also told reporters on Wednesday Harris will certainly play on Friday night, but could not speak to just how many snaps he’ll see.

With that in mind, on top of the Chargers going into the opener with an offensive line starter already lost for the season (Rashan Slater), one can only wonder if the run game will look any different — or hopefully better — than it did a season ago with J.K. Dobbins leading the charge.

Hampton is a different back than Dobbins. He’s bigger and stronger and may even have the same breakaway speed to som degree, but will that be enough to overcome a line combination that hasn’t had that long to gel together?

And depending on how fast the game does or does not go in the Chargers’ favor, will quickly will the team pivot back to Justin Herbert Hero Ball mode instead of continuing to grind out tough yards on the ground? And then how will that affect Harris’ snaps overall, as well?

I have a lot of questions here but they unfortunately cannot be answered until after kickoff. But here’s to hoping they find a way to over-perform out of the gates.

Omarion Hampton is going to be a beast! pic.twitter.com/3dcgzODY1c

— ChargersMuse (@ChargersMuse) August 17, 2025

2.) How will the passing game look with both Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey on the field?

McConkey showed as a rookie that he can play everywhere along the offensive formation, but analysts still insist he’s best in the slot (and that very well could be the case). However, now that Allen is back in the fold (also a slot savant), how will the two be utilized together on the field? Will McConkey be defaulted to the outside when Allen is on the field? Will they actually mix and match them to maximize mismatches pre-snap?

I’m most excited to see what Greg Roman does with these two on crucial “got-to-have-it” downs as both have shown they can win one-on-one consistently. Defenses can’t double both without leaving someone else running free, right? Or at least that’s what we hope to be true.

I don’t know just yet if this is the best receiver room Herbert has ever had in his professional career, but I do believe that it could have one of, if not, the highest ceiling. It feels very “complete” with complementary skillsets throughout. Everyone has what they’re best at and it’ll be up to Roman to put those guys in the best position possible to maximize what they do best.

3.) How will a new-look cornerback room fair against the Chiefs passing attack?

The Chiefs passing attack will always be extremely dangerous as long as they have at least one “speedster” in the group. However, Kansas City will have two on the field on Friday night with both second-year wideout Xavier Worthy and veteran Hollywood Brown finally healthy. Still is not the fastest defender but he thrives in anticipating route concepts and closing on the ball in zone coverage. Jackson has the speed to keep up with most speedsters in the NFL but he allowed receptions on targets his way to be completed at a 61.3 percent clip. Also, nearly half his yards allowed in coverage (508) were allowed after the catch (241) which shows a lack of finishing the play while in position. In fact, this is theme is solidified by an abysmal 33.4 tackling grade, per PFF.

Cam Hart is nearly a co-starter with Jackson when the Chargers defense runs 3-corner personnel packages so he will likely see plenty of run on Fridyay night as well. Behind him is veteran and free-agent signing Benjamin St-Juste who has his moments but overall can cost a team immensely with penalties (had nine in 2024).

Jesse Minter truly will have his work cut out for him in this season opener.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...t-the-chiefs-will-najee-harris-make-an-impact

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Thursday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Three players to watch for the Chargers against the Chiefs (Chargers.com)

Here’s why the Chargers are excited to play in Brazil for the season opener (Chargers.com)

The announcers have been set for Chargers-Chiefs (Chargers Wire)

Could Justin Herbert play in the 2028 Olympics? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

What insiders are hearing ahead of Week 1 in the NFL (ESPN)

The 49ers added $3 million in incentives to WR Jauan Jennings’ contract this season (ESPN)

Here’s a primer for NFL fans ahead of the 2025 season opener (CBS Sports)

Alijah Vera-Tucker may have sustained another significant injury (NFL.com)

Joe Burrow believes the Bengals have the players they need to be great, but they need to prove it (Pro Football Talk)

Four under-the-radar rookies who could make a splash this season (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...163/chargers-daily-links-thursday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers RG Mekhi Becton added to injury report, Questionable for season opener

On Friday morning, the Chargers announced that right guard Mekhi Becton has been added to this week’s injury report with an illness. He’s also being listed as questionable for tonight’s season opener against the Chiefs in Brazil.

Before this news was announced, the Chargers’ injury report on Friday was completely clean with both running back Najee Harris (eye) and safety Elijah Molden (knee) taken off the report completely. Now, the Chargers could be without their one new starter added earlier in free agency who was supposed to help solidify a weak interior from a year ago.

G Mekhi Becton (illness) has been added to the injury report. He is questionable for friday night’s game vs. kansas city. https://t.co/0Ub64QRj63

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 5, 2025

If Becton cannot play against the Chiefs, versatile lineman Jamaree Salyer is likely the next man in at right guard. He has experience playing both guard spots since being drafted by the Chargers and was already in line to be the offense’s swing tackle.

In this scenario, Friday night’s starting offensive line would be (from left to right): Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Jamaree Salyer, and Trey Pipkins. After a 2024 season where the interior of the offensive line was one of the weakest links, the Chargers could now start this season against the Chiefs of all teams with a worse lineup than they had a year ago.

Welcome back to Chargers football, baby!

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-injury-report-questionable-for-season-opener