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[Los Angeles Chargers]

Preseason Stock Report: 5 Winners, 2 Losers in Chargers’ win vs. Lions

Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Chargers open the preseason with a win over the Detroit Lions, but who on the team stood out?

The first final score of the 2025 NFL (pre)season ends in a positive for the Los Angeles Chargers as they defeat the Detroit Lions, 34-7. There were numerous highlights for the Chargers, including five (!) takeaways by the defense, backup quarterback Trey Lance delivering a sharp performance and both running backs and pass-catchers getting in on the action. Here are those who saw their stock rise or fall.

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Winners​

QB Trey Lance — A brilliant start for the backup quarterback, making smart decisions, executing on the macro and micro scales, and finishing with a respectable stat line. In all, Lance went 13-for-20 passing for 120 yards and two touchdowns, capped off with a 114.6 quarterback rating. He was sacked only once and scrambled for eight yards on three attempts when pressured.

His first touchdown pass was to tight end Will Dissly on 4th & Goal. The second, a good, crisp delivery to the breadbasket of KeAndre Lambert-Smith on a slant route.

Trey Lance finds KeAndre Lambert-Smith for the TD!@ProFootballHOF Game on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/ypV9fC3Ds7

— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2025​

What Lance accomplished was give confidence to the Chargers if he must see playing time this season — or give other teams consideration in trading for him if need be.

WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith — With only two receptions in the game, Lambert-Smith didn’t dominate the game. But, he did gash through the Lions’ secondary in the first half for the 15-yard touchdown. He has received buzz in training camp and what tonight showed is he could (or should) be in the game plans for the season.

CB Nikko Reed — Making plays and earning credit in training camp is good, but when the lights are on, can you compete? Reed, an undrafted rookie, showed he can, snaring a decent throw from Lions’ QB Kyle Allen and hauling it 60 yards back the other way. On 26 snaps, Reed was targeted three times and allowed zero receptions, with two forced incompletions and the interception. According to PFF’s Mark Chichester, Reed earned a PFF grade above 90.0 on first review and was the player of the game.

S R.J. Mickens — The sixth-round safety out of Clemson was another player of note. As Lions’ running back Craig Reynolds gashed across the open field, Mickens made a touchdown-saving tackle. When things go awry, having a safety to make surefire tackles and correct angles is critical. Mickens demonstrated many things in that single snap.

RB Kimani Vidal — Second-year Chargers running back didn’t hit a dynamic explosive play, but he did deliver twice in the red zone with a pair of two-yard touchdowns and gashed the Lions on 3rd & 2 for a 16-yard sprint. Though the Chargers have first-round rookie Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris (on NFI), Vidal could be a player to see some depth snaps. Especially if Harris takes longer to return.

Losers​

WR Tre Harris — While Harris did nothing inherently wrong, it was disappointing to not see him more active or involved in his 24 snaps. Harris is expected to be much involved in his rookie season after the retirement of Mike Williams. But, there are many factors in why plays do or do not go your way in a preseason game.

C Zion Johnson — The No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft tested a new position in the preseason, playing at center. At times there were poor snaps and he struggled. However, Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said he excelled.

“I thought Zion did a good job,” Harbaugh said. “Great player for us. Really had never played center... I thought he did a heck of a job.”

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...-win-vs-lions-trey-lance-touchdowns-kls-slant

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers roster prediction following 34-7 win over Lions

Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

Here’s our first attempt at predicting the Chargers’ final 53-man roster.

The Chargers are 1-0 this preseason after trouncing the Lions 34-7 on Thursday night in the annual Hall of Fame Game.

After each preseason game, we’re going to throw up a 53-man roster prediction based on the team’s most recent performance. Here’s our first exercise after Thursday night.

Enjoy!

Quarterback (3): Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance

The Chargers kept three quarterbacks last year and I believe they will do the same this year. Heinicke is a trsut-worthy backup with starting experience. Lance showed improvement from last preseason to now with his two-touchdown performance against the Lions in the Hall of Fame Game.

Similar to the 49ers getting a fourth-round pick from the Cowboys in a trade for Lance, the Chargers could end up earning themselves a late pick on day three from a QB-needy team if Lance continues to show progression during the 2025 preseason.

Running back (5): Omarion Hampton, Najee Harris, Hassan Haskins, Nyheim Miller-Hines, Scott Matlock (FB)

The jury is still out on exactly how injured Harris is following the fireworks accident. Until we get some clear idea of his return to the field, this is Hampton’s backfield. Haskins is an elite special teamer and the newly-signed Miller-Hines provides depth and return ability. Matlock played more fullback than defensive tackle in 2024 so I expect him to do the same again in 2025.

Wide Receiver (5): Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis

The Chargers will still want to run the football all the same in 2025, only better and more efficiently this season. They added two exciting rookies in Harris and KLS, both of whom have popped in training camp thus far. Davis is also coming along in year three while providing All-Pro level return ability.

Tight end (4): Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Ordonde Gadsden II, Tucker Fisk

The tight end room this year is like a basketball team. Dissly is your center. Conklin is a power forward. Gadsden is a stretch forward/shooting guard, and Fisk is your enforcer (yes, that’s the position name).

They’ve got a guy for every job they could ask one of them to do and some even have a decent amount of overlap within their skillsets. I like this group. I think they’ve got a high floor and will surprise this season.

Offensive linemen (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Joe Alt, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins II, Branson Taylor, Ryan Nelson

Nine has always been a good number for the Chargers as far as the number of linemen to keep and I think that continues this season. Until they officially announce anything different, I expect the starting five to be the same as last year minus Becton in place of Pipkins. Salyer and Pipkins both provide the most versatility at guard and tackle (and now center for the former).

Nelson has been praised by Harbaugh already so I like his chances after coming over from the UFL. Taylor was a late day-three pick of the team this year but I’m not sold on him being kept. He’s likely the guy most on the fringe here.

Interior Defensive Linemen (4): Teair Tart, Da’Shawn Hand, Naquan Jones, Otito Ogbonnia,

The Chargers would technically be keeping five bodies here with Matlock included, but we have him grouped up with the backs.

In all honesty, I think they need more bodies here, but I’m not sure where to make cuts elsewhere. Hand and Jones are the new guys on the block to pair with Tart and Ogbonnia. This is definitely the weakest position on the team and a group that I don’t think will be settled until after final cuts have been made around the NFL.

Edge rushers (5): Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard, Caleb Murphy

Caleb Murphy was impressive in the Hall of Fame Game and I think he ends up making this team as a special teams contributor.

Other than Murphy, the other four ahead of him are to be expected.

Linebackers (4): Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Troy Dye

Another group where I like to have at least one more body.

Henley and Perryman will lead this group with Colson and Dye behind them. Colson needs to take a step forward in his progression after a ho-hum rookie season plagued by injuries. Dye flashed in 2024 and will once again provide some quality depth.

Cornerbacks (6): Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, Nikko Reed, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard

I’m already very confident that Reed will make this team. He’s been balling on a daily basis in camp and that’s a quick recipe to get the coaches on your side. I could see the Chargers keeping five players here, but I couldn’t get myself to cut one of Taylor or Leonard, both of whom are core special teams players.

Safeties (5): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, RJ Mickens

Safety remains one of the best positions on the Chargers. They keep their top four from a season ago and add rookie R.J. Mickens who has flashed in camp and will likely play a lot of special teams.

I like this group a lot.

Special Teams (3): Cameron Dicker (K), JK Scott (P), Josh Harris (LS)

Nothing to change here. Keep it strong and churning for another year.

Dicker did hit one off the left upright against the Lions from 52 yards out, but let’s just get those misses out of the way during the preseason, yeah?

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...ion-lions-justin-trey-lance-hall-of-fame-game

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Keenan Allen visiting Chargers as both sides express mutual interest in reunion

Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The 12-year NFL veteran and former Los Angeles Charger Keenan Allen is visiting the team for a potential reunion.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, free agent wide receiver Keenan Allen is visiting the Los Angeles Chargers.

Six-time Pro Bowl WR Keenan Allen is visiting the #Chargers today, and there is mutual interest in a potential reunion, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Allen, 33, played his first 13 NFL seasons for the team before spending last season in Chicago. Now, he could be back in L.A. pic.twitter.com/RhjXl2Ca0m

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 1, 2025​

Allen needs no introduction to Chargers fans, as he was drafted by the team in 2013 and played the first 11 seasons of his career with the team. He ranks second in franchise history in receiving yards (10,530), behind this weekend’s Hall of Fame inductee, tight end Antonio Gates. Allen ranks fifth in all-time touchdowns scored (60), and third in receiving touchdowns (59).

Demand for Allen to reunite with the Chargers spiked after the retirement of Mike Williams on the first day of training camp. There’s a need for an outside receiver with good hands and scoring ability.

The 2024 season was the first time Allen played not in a Chargers uniform. He was traded to the Chicago Bears for a 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 110 overall). The pick was used to move up in the draft with the New England Patriots, which landed them wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The Patriots would go on to draft wide receiver Javon Baker with the No. 110 pick.

The return of Allen would further bolster the wide receiver room for the Chargers, featuring McConkey, Allen, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. A more than respectable corps for quarterback Justin Herbert to sling it.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...xpress-mutual-interest-in-reunion-nfl-news-fa

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Denzel Perryman arrested on felony firearm charge

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

The long-time Chargers linebacker was arrested on Friday night after police stopped him en route to a local gun range.

On Friday night, Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was arrested on a felony weapon charge, per public records. The veteran was stopped for vehicle code violations before officers discovered a handful of firearms in the car, including two assault style rifles.

Per Perryman, he was on his way to a local gun range when he was stopped. As of Saturday morning, Perryman was still booked in jail. He’s due to appear in court on Tuesday.

According to Perryman’s agent, Ron Butler, the linebacker was cooperative with officers through the entire encounter. He’s currently being held without bail at South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station.

The Chargers said in a statement that they were gathering more information.

Perryman is currently slated to start at linebacker for the Chargers this season after rejoining the team for his second stint in Los Angeles a season ago. The Bolts just beat the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night. Perryman did not play as most starters were held out of the exhibition.

With the Chargers set to continue training camp this week, it remains to be seen just how much time Perryman will miss as he deals with this current situation.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...nzel-perryman-arrested-felony-firearm-charges

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Can you guess this Chargers linebacker in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​

Friday, August 1, 2025
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/8/2/24479490/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Can you guess this Chargers d-lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​

Saturday, August 2, 2025
Friday, August 1, 2025
Thursday, July 31, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/8/3/24479986/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Can you guess this Chargers player in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Chargers player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

Welcome back to another edition of Chargers In-5 Trivia!

Do you have the knowledge to guess today’s player before you five chances are up? Dive in and find out for yourself!

As always, whether you love it or hate it, we’d appreciate feedback in this Google Form!

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​

Sunday, August 3, 2025
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Friday, August 1, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bolts From The Blue in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the correct Chargers player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2025/8/4/24480674/sb-nation-chargers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Jim Harbaugh has ‘settled’ on the Chargers’ starting offensive line

Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images

After working on different groups, the Chargers offensive line won’t look much different from the 2024 starting group.

On Monday, head coach Jim Harbaugh officially announced the starting five offensive linemen for the Chargers: Left tackle Rashawn Slater, left guard Zion Johnson, center Bradley Bozeman, right guard Mekhi Becton, and right tackle Joe Alt.

Yes, that is essentially the same group that started for the team a year ago aside from Becton who has replaced 2024 starter Trey Pipkins.

Jim Harbaugh said he’s settled on his “best five” for the starting offensive line: LT Rashawn Slater, LG Zion Johnson, C Bradley Bozeman, RG Mekhi Becton, RT Joe Alt

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 4, 2025​

For those hoping there would be more change to this group from last year to now, you’re probably feeling a disappointed. Just know you are likely not alone in that. The interior of the offensive line was by far one of the weakest links in the Chargers roster and somehow the team decided that it wasn’t all that bad and only one new face in the interior trio was needed.

Until the pads come on and real football gets underway, we won’t know just how much progress was made (or lack thereof) by guys like Bozeman and Johnson. Johnson is entering year four while Bozeman is in year eight. Both have been a professional long enough that it’s fairly safe to assume they’ve both become who they’re going to be in the NFL, which makes the decision to sit on their hands regarding the problem all the more frustrating.

But here we are, once again in a position to fall back on the “In Harbaugh We Trust” mindset. I’m willing to wait and see how the group gels this season, but I can’t say there’s much leeway past that.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...h-rashawn-slater-zion-johnson-bradley-bozeman

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers sign DL Nesta Jade Silvera

On Monday, the Chargers announced the signing of defensive lineman Nesta Jade Silvera. In a corresponding move, the team waived/injured defensive tackle Josh Fuga after he was carted off the field during Saturday’s practice.

Silvera was originally a seventh-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023 and most recently spent the latter part of the 2024 regular season with the San Francisco 49ers. Following the season, he signed a reserve/future contract with the Green Bay Packers but was released on July 18.

we’ve signed DL Nesta Jade Silvera

→ https://t.co/JxfwLkyDco pic.twitter.com/qX5S5fblvK

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 4, 2025

The 6’2, 304-pound defensive lineman played one season at Arizona State (2022) and spent the previous four seasons at the University of Miami.

Silvera has 10 total tackles in two NFL seasons, playing in just nine games combined from 2023-2024.

The Chargers added a handful of new bodies this offseason along the interior of the defensive line, including Da’Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones. As it stands, Silvera is likely just a camp body to help fill out the position during training camp.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/20...e-silvera-training-camp-raiders-packers-49ers

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Welcome to the new Bolts From The Blue: A fresh look, fewer ads and a new feature

Things will look a little different around here today.

A few weeks ago we told you something new was coming to Bolts From The Blue and today it’s here. Things are cleaner, faster and easier to use. There are the same writers, coverage, comments, and community you’ve come to rely on, now with less clutter and clunkiness.

Let’s dive in. If you scroll down the page on your phone or computer, it’s smoother. You’ll notice that the most talked-about stories have a bigger font displaying the number of comments. You’ll also see a section called Active Conversations to point you to the busiest conversations right now.

But there’s two changes we’re most excited to tell you about:

Fewer ads for logged-in users​

Our loyal readers and commenters are the heartbeat of our communities, and with this new design we’re excited to offer them fewer ads when they’re logged in. Specifically:

• Video players will no longer chase you down the page. Just scroll past one and it will be gone.
• Full page pop-ups that would sometimes interrupt your commenting experience have been disabled.

You can log in or sign up here and check it out.

A new feature by the community, for the community: The Feed​

Today we’re launching a brand new space for you to come together. The Feed is a running stream of posts and updates from you, the community, mixed in with links and updates from the team and our staff. Think of it as our community’s group text where you can easily grab your phone and share a link to a story, post a question or write your own post on the day’s news.

You can find it in two places:

• On the homepage, adjacent to the top stories. Community participation is core to who we are, so we want it right on the front page to share your stuff.
• A devoted homepage for The Feed where you can see the full stream of posts coming in from the community. You might want to bookmark that.

Log in or sign up here and you can start posting on The Feed and seeing fewer ads immediately.



Today’s launch is a big deal for our community, and it’s also a kickoff of broader efforts to build around the community we have here. Soon you’ll get alerts when someone replies to your comment or your post on The Feed, with more to come thereafter. We want to put the community in the driver’s seat, so let us know what you want in the comments below or in The Feed.

If you want to dig into more of this updated experience, head over to this post on sbnation.com from SB Nation’s Head of Product Ed Clinton, where he expands on the changes in our ads and design. Ed will be responding to questions in the comments. If you have any questions about how to log in to our new system, check out this article from last week.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...blue-a-fresh-look-fewer-ads-and-a-new-feature

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers CB duo tabbed among most important sophomore defenders in 2025

The Chargers double-dipped on cornerbacks in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft in hopes of quickly bolstering an important position group during Jim Harbaugh’s first season with the team. Despite having guys like Asante Samuel Jr. and Krisitian Fulton leading the group, the new coaching knew they wanted to increase the floor of the group with Jesse Minter taking over the defense.

What they probably didn’t expect was to draft not one, but two impact rookies both taken on day three of the draft. Fast forward a year and we’re currently entering the season with Tarheeb Still as a starter on this defense and Cam Hart also pushing for starting snaps along with free-agent additions Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste.

However, not only are both Still and Hart seriously in the mix this year, they’re both being highlighted by national NFL analysts as sophomore players who could make an even bigger impact this year after standout rookie seasons.

On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Benjamin Solak published a list of the 20 most important sophomore defenders in the NFL this year. Both Still and Hart were included.

Let’s take a look at what Solak had to say about both second-year players.

On Tarheeb Still

“Still was supposed to be a nickel. That’s the job the fifth-round rookie initially learned in camp, and the role he filled when he first got onto the field following starting slot Ja’Sir Taylor’s injury. But by Week 6, the Chargers needed players at outside corner, so they threw Still into the fire.“

“He shredded. Still just gets it. A zone-cover corner through and through, Still is extremely comfortable playing with his eyes in the backfield and relating to routes as they develop around him — very instinctive. When forced to get connected to receivers, he has the explosiveness to stay in phase, and he plays the ball wonderfully through the catch point. Plenty of his pass breakups last season came when he never found the ball, but he knew how to play the receiver’s hands. When he did see the football, he reliably caught it, turning four PBUs into interceptions, tied for second most among all rookies.”

“Still seems like one of those smart defenders that coaches just can’t wait to get on the field, and I’m curious to see how L.A. does it this season. My guess is he’ll start on the outside when the team is in the nickel (the Chargers prefer to play three safeties in their nickel sets), and then move to the slot when they want to get a third corner on the field. Flip-flopping can be an enormous ask for veteran players, let alone a second-year fifth-round pick. If Still can keep up the ball production in the slot, where his quick reactions might be even more potent, he’ll unlock a new level of versatility in the Chargers’ already excellent pass defense.”

On Cam Hart

“The splashier name among Chargers rookie DBs last season was Tarheeb Still, thanks to his four interceptions (and thanks to Kirk Cousins for two of those). But look at the advanced stats or the film, and you’ll see that Hart went pound for pound with Still. Hart gave up 5.4 yards per target to Still’s 7.4, and that 5.4 yards per target was the seventh-best figure among corners last season. Hart and Still also had the same hawk rate, just on fewer snaps and targets. (Hawk rate is a Next Gen Stat that measures plays on the ball, including interceptions and pass breakups.)“

“To be clear, Still is awesome, but Hart really pops on film. A big and long body (6-foot-3, 33-inch arms), and comfortable at the line of scrimmage, Hart was especially used by defensive coordinator Jesse Minter in matchups in which he wanted to get brackets, bumps and cloud coverage over star receivers. And when push came to shove and it was time to man up, Hart was the Chargers’ best coverage corner.”

Both Still and Hart were a part of a very strong first draft class by Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz. It’s the type of class that helps you kickstart the building of a lasting foundation for the future of the franchise. Joining Still and Hart are budding star wideout Ladd McConkey and right tackel Joe Alt. Not many draft classes hit that well and that fast, but Harbaugh and Co. did in year one.

After leading the NFL in scoring defense this past season, the bar is set for the Chargers to do it again, or at least come close. With most of the entire unit back for another go-around, it only makes sense that the pressure should be on.

With that said, the regular season can’t come soon enough.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ng-most-important-sophomore-defenders-in-2025

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Mike Williams: ‘I’m retired, but you never know. Not this year, though’

On July 17, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams retired from the NFL. It was the first day of training camp and suddenly the Chargers were down a wideout they’d hoped to contribute for Year 2 under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. Nearly three weeks later, Williams on a Twitch livestream teased a potential return.

“Chat, I’m retired, but you never know,” Williams said to his Twitch audience while playing Call of Duty. “Not this year, though.”

Mike Williams on Twitch: “Chat I’m retired, but you never know. Not this year though.”

Thanked coaches and teammates. pic.twitter.com/WeELS6aeRp

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) August 6, 2025

After Williams’ retirement, the Chargers have made a revitalized effort in strengthening their wide receiver corps. Firstly, they bridged the gap with 2025 second-round pick Tre’ Harris and signed him to his rookie contract. And on Aug. 5, they signed Keenan Allen to a one-year, $8.62 million deal.

The wide receiver room looks further improved thanks to these signings, but also in the wake of fifth-round wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who shined brightly in the Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions.

The retirement of Williams no longer looks like an obstacle for the Chargers to overcome. Instead, it was a catalyst which sparked the team to signing Harris, bringing back a franchise legend and discovering their fifth-round selection could be a contributor in the near future.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...tired-but-you-never-know-not-this-year-though

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers LT Rashawn Slater out for 2025 season with ruptured patellar tendon

Less than a month after signing a four-year, $113 million contract to make him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history, Rashawn Slater has been lost for the entire 2025 season after rupturing the patellar tendon in his left knee.

Slater went down during a drill where he was pass protecting against third-year edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu. He was attended to for several minutes before being carted off the field with a towel over his head.

Now, the Chargers will have to pick themselves up and move forward towards the regular season without their star left tackle.

Chargers OT Rashawn Slater, who signed a four-year, $113 million extension last month and then was carted off the practice field today, suffered a season-ending ruptured patella tendon, pending further testing, per sources. pic.twitter.com/ALAOks9b8e

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 7, 2025

In hindsight, drafting Joe Alt at No. 5 overall in the 2024 draft is now the smartest thing the Chargers could have done. After starting 33 games at left ackle for Notre Dame during his collegiate career, the expectation is that Alt will shift over to the blindside while Trey Pipkins fills in at right tackle.

Prior to the injury, Pipkins was one of the more expensive swing tackles in the league. Now he is being thrust back into starting duty one year after starting at right guard in year one under Jim Harbaugh.

With roughly a month before the start of the regular season, the Chargers will have to pick themselves up and commit themselves fully to a new vision of the offensive line. In the meantime, we’re wishing nothing but the best for Slater’s long road back to the field.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-for-2025-season-with-ruptured-patella-tendon

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Jim Harbaugh provides update on future of Chargers offensive line in 2025

A day after Rashawn Slater was lost for the season with a ruptured patellar tendon, head coach Jim Harbaugh has provided an update on how the offensive will adjust ahead of their second preseason exhibition on Sunday.

Per Harbaugh, second-year tackle Joe Alt will swap from the right to the left side to replace the injured Slater. Alt started 33 games at left tackle for Notre Dame during his collegiate career before switching sides as a rookie last season. Swing tackle Trey Pipkins will then step into the lineup at right tackle. So if you’re keeping track, from left to right, the Chargers new starting line will be Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, and Trey Pipkins.

Of note here: Harbaugh said Jamaree Salyer will start at LT in Sunday’s preseason game. https://t.co/ofsrhpJPKm

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) August 8, 2025

According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Harbaugh also noted that the team will workout offensive linemen over the weekend in order to find a new swing tackle. Some notable free agent offensive tackles still on the market include former first-round pick Jedrick Wills and Germain Ifedi.

In adjacent news, Harbaugh told reporters that offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer will start this Sunday’s exhibition against the Saints at left tackle. In 2022, Salyer (who played left tackle in college) filled in for an injured Slater on the blindside for 14 games and did an admirable job at that. The Chargers also recently signed former UFL offensive tackle Ryan Nelson who finished the most recent spring season as one of the UFL’s highest-graded linemen by Pro Football Focus. After playing well in the Hall of Fame Game, don’t be surprised if Nelson puts up a good fight for that swing tackle role.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-on-future-of-chargers-offensive-line-in-2025

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Predicting Keenan Allen’s receiving stats in 2025

Keenan Allen has returned to the Chargers after spending the 2024 season as a member of the Chicago Bears. While in the Windy City, Allen finished second on the team with 70 receptions and 744 receiving yards, but led the group with seven touchdown catches. From week-to-week, he was either the team’s WR2 or WR3, depending on how then-rookie Rome Odunze was performing.

His best game came in Week 16 when he posted a nine-catch, 141-yard effort against the Detroit Lions. It was also the only game in which he eclipsed 100 receiving yards all season.

Now that Allen is back, it’d be a knee-jerk reaction to believe he’s going to step in and be the team’s WR1 again. That is unfortunately a thing of the past now that Ladd McConkey is a Charger. Allen will absolutely have his role as a third-down savant and master of the got-to-have-it moments, but the days of 100 catches and 1,000 yards are probably done for.

With that said, he’s going to be the team’s WR2 outright this season, or at least to begin it. He’ll get his opportunities, I believe we just need to temper early expectations.

So what do we think his final stat line this year will look like? Honestly, I think it’ll look fairly close to his line with the Bears a year ago, if not a little better given that he sat out both Week Two and Three last season.

With left tackle Rashawn Slater lost for the season, I do not expect the rushing attack to take much of a leap this year. In fact, I’ve accepted that Chargers football this year may look too much like past seasons when Herbert was essentially asked to chuck it around more than he should have because nothing else was sparking the offense. The thing is, they’ve got a defense now and a better back to suit Harbaugh’s style of ground control. Hampton and Harris should make up a little for what efficiency they’re losing with Slater out, but not enough to keep this unit balance.

That’s why I think Allen could still push for some good numbers.

Take Quentin Johnston’s 55-catch, 711-yard season as the team’s WR2 in 2024. Allen will absolutely top that many catches, but it remains to be seen just how down the field on average he’ll be deployed. If you extrapolate his stats from a year ago with those two additional games he missed, he gets to roughly 850 yards on about 80 catches.

Now THAT sounds much more like what I’d expect from him this season, but that still just around five receptions and 50-ish yards per outing. If he’s healthy for all 17, it’s hard to not see him average more. The offense now has the likes of Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Oronde Gadsden II to help clear out room for Allen and McConkey to work the underneath parts of the field. That, and it just seems wrong not to think there will be a game here or there where Herbert and Allen lock-in together for one of their classic air barrage connections.

But hey, maybe I’m crazy. Maybe I’m being too optimistic about Allen’s outlook this year at 33 years old. You tell me. What do you all think? Drop a line for me below.

First warm up route from Keenan Allen. pic.twitter.com/RgY521c31G

— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) August 7, 2025

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...dicting-keenan-allens-receiving-stats-in-2025

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers sign OT David Sharpe, place Rashawn Slater on season-ending IR

Following the loss of Rashawn Slater for the season due to a ruptured patellar tendon, the head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters that they planned to workout several offensive tackles over the weekend to help find a new swing tackle.

On Saturday, they found seemingly found their new lineman as they announced the signing of veteran tackle David Sharpe. The former fourth-round pick of the Raiders in 2017 has played for a number of teams in his eight-year career, with stops in Houston, Baltimore, and Carolina. He most recently played for the Panthers in 2023 where he saw time in eight games. In a corresponding move, the Chargers placed Rashawn Slater on season-ending IR.

we’ve signed T David Sharpe

→ https://t.co/ZFWnYamlLn pic.twitter.com/CfWyFGhlWa

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 9, 2025

Sharpe has a connection with general manager Joe Hortiz as the two spent time in Baltimore together in 2021 and 2022. While the job may seem to be Sharpe’s, the 6’6, 343-pound Sharpe will still need to compete with former UFL tackle Ryan Nelson and 2025 UDFA Corey Stewart for the right to be the Chargers’ third OT/swing tackle this season.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/los-angeles-chargers-news/59793/chargers-sign-ot-david-sharpe

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Saints Recap: Bolts bounce Saints 27-13

For the second consecutive preseason game, the youngsters on the Chargers defense came to play.

Undrafted free agent cornerback Eric Rogers registered his first and second professional interceptions, the first of which he returned for an electric pick-six. Edge rusher Caleb Murphy also notched a pair of sacks and may as well have punched his ticket to the final roster this year as the team’s fifth pass rusher.

Overall it was another strong defensive effort that helped the Chargers hold New Orleans to just 13 points in their 27-10 decision on Sunday afternoon.

Veteran Taylor Heinicke started the game for the Chargers but struggled mightily as he complete 1-of-5 passes for only eight yards before Trey Lance took over. The former third-overall pick finished 7-of-14 for 55 yards, but also chipped in 48 rushing yards and a score on seven carries. As a team, the Bolts rushed for 148 yards on 34 carries (4.4 average) and two scores, the second coming from UDFA Raheim “Rocket” Sanders who took 10 carries for 42 yards on the day.

On a cold outing for the receivers, it was Dalevon Campbell who was the beneficiary of DJ Uiagalelei’s only passes attempt of the game which went for 49 yards in the air. Campbell finished with three receptions for 62 yards, including a two-point try conversion from Lance.

Other standouts on defense were linebacker Marlowe Wax and third-round rookie defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell. Wax had nine tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack while Caldwell also found the quarterback to go with four tackles.

The Chargers are back at home — but as the away team — as they face the Rams in their third preseason matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT.

First Quarter

The Chargers won the toss and elected to receive. The offense, led by Taylor Heinicke, was up first.

Nyheim Miller-Hines brought the opening kickoff back 33 yards to give the Bolts good starting field position. Both Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins received carries, each running strong behind their pads. After crossing the midway point of the field, rookie wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith dropped a pass over the middle on third down to force a Chargers punt.

The Bolts defense looked uninspired early, but they hunkered down once the Saints got to midfield and forced a New Orleans punt. However, veteran Nyheim Miller-Hines muffed the punt and the Saints recovered at the Los Angeles 12-yard line.

Once again, the defense stood tall when the team needed it, forcing a stop on fourth down thanks to the effort of linebacker Troy Dye who earned a tackle for loss on running back Kendre Miller. The Chargers offense would take over at their own four-yard line.

Near the end of the quarter, the pass protection broke down and Heinicke looked to be sacked in the end zone for a safety. After a review, however, the call was overturned. After a short pass to Haskins on third down, the Bolts punted yet again.

Second Quarter

The Chargers defense continued to make splash plays as edge rusher Caleb Murphy recorded his second sack of the first half, stripping
‘ quarterback Spencer Rattler to give the Bolts possession inside Saints territory. Trey Lance entered the game at quarterback but the passing game continued to struggle. The offense would go three-and-out but this time tacked on a Cameron Dicker field goal from 44 yards out.

Lance’s game got better as the second quarter went on and he certainly found his groove via his legs. On the Chargers’ final drive of the first half, Lance scrambled three times for 36 yards, including a five-yard sprint into the end zone for the firs touchdown of the game. After a penalty on the Saints during the PAT, the Chargers handed off to UDFA running back Raheim Sanders on a two-point try but he was stuffed at the line. Nonetheless, the Bolts held a 9-0 lead 1:38 remaining in the half.

Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough took over for Rattler and managed to march the team down the field just in time for New Orleans to attempt a chip shot field field goal before time expired. Blake Grupe banged home the kick and the Chargers entered the halftime break with a 9-3 lead.

Third Quarter

After both teams traded punts to begin the second half, the Saints took over at their own 38-yard line. On a third-and-six, Shough tried to force the ball to a receiver ear the right sideline, but UDFA cornerback Eric Rogers was able to under cut the pass and make a diving catch, get back on his feet, and take it all the way back for a score. The Chargers sideline absolutely erupted in response to the play which marked their third pick of the preseason. The offense once again went for two and Lance was able to find UDFA wideout Dalevon Campbell on a slant route to push the score to 17-3.

The Saints and Shough responded with a short memory. On first-and-10 from their 46-yard line, Shough saw the Bolts were sending pressure and a great blitz pickup by the running back helped the quarterback find a streaking receiver for a 54-yard score up the left sideline. The Saints converted their PAT attempt and the Chargers lead was minimized to 17-10 halfway through the quarter.

Fourth Quarter

After the defense forced another punt from the Saints, Lance and the offense put together a methodical 12-play drive that took over seven minutes off the clock. Despite falling short of the end zone, Dicker was good from 40 yards out to once again give the Chargers a two-score lead at 20-10 with 4:50 remaining in regulation.

Quarterback Jake Haener stepped in for Shough on the following drive but it took just four plays for the Charges defense to force yet another turnover. After scrambling to his left, Haener attempted to loft a pass over the head of cornerback Eric Rogers, but the rookie made another leaping play for the interception (his second of the day) to help ice the game away.

Now it was time for DJ Uiagalelei to take over at quarterback for the Chargers.

On third-and-five, Uiagalelei uncorked his first pass of the game to Dalevon Campbell who somehow made the catch for a 49-yard gain. One play later, Raheim Sanders bounced a run to the right and outran everyone to the pylon for his first professional touchdown. The score also helped seal the win for the Bolts as it made the score 26-10 with under two minutes to play.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...argers-saints-recap-bolts-bounce-saints-27-13

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Best and worst Chargers PFF Grades vs. the Saints

The defense won the day yet again for the Chargers as they trounced the New Orleans Saints 27-13 along with several of their former coaches, including Brandon Staley (Saints DC) and Kellen Moore (Saints HC).

Rookie cornerback Eric Rogers balled out with two picks (one returned for a score) while edge rusher Caleb Murphy recorded two sacks and maybe should have even had a third. Add in third-round defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell getting his first sack and it’s tough not to be super excited about all the young defensive talent on this team.

Alright enough talk, let’s jump into the five best and worst Chargers players based on Pro Football Focus grades for either side of the ball against the Saints

Enjoy!

Offense

Best

TE Tucker Fisk – 86.8
WR Dalevon Campbell – 79.7
TE Thomas Yassmin – 75.7
OG Zion Johnson – 69.1
FB Scott Matlock – 67.8

Campbell is not likely to make the final roster but he’s showing enough to be worth a stash on the practice squad. He hauled in the game’s longest pass and led the team in receiving yards, along with a two-point conversion reception.

Worst

C Jacob Kaltenberger – 40.7
OT Ryan Nelson – 41.2
WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith 44.0
QB Taylor Heinicke – 44.4
RB Kimani Vidal – 50.2

Vidal was the lowest-graded back and did not see many snaps alongside Hassan Haskins and Raheim Sanders. It leads one to wonder if he’s losing ground as one of the team’s top four running backs. Will he end up making the team at this rate?

KLS dropped a pass that was right in his hands which led to Heinicke having a pretty bad outing on Sunday. It was a bit of a letdown after he starred in the Hall of Fame Game against the Lions.

Defense

Best

CB Eric Rogers – 96.6
S RJ Mickens – 93.0
DT Jamaree Caldwell – 85.6
EDGE Caleb Murphy – 85.2
S Emany Johnson – 82.6

All these guys stepped up and showed out. Keep an eye on all of them this year, whether they end up on the final roster or not.

Worst

EDGE Kylan Guidry – 32.9
LB Kana’i Mauga – 33.0
CB Trikweze Bridges – 41.3
CB Jordan Oladokun – 45.6
DT TeRah Edwards – 48.9

It’s not great to see your seventh-round pick this year being outplayed by three undrafted free agents. Bridges needs to step it up or else he’ll be left behind in a very competitive group.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...t-and-worst-chargers-pff-grades-vs-the-saints

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links:

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Five players who stood out in the Chargers’ 27-13 win over the Saints (Chargers.com)

Three Chargers on the roster bubble who helped their case in Preseason Week One (Chargers Wire)

Joey Bosa played in the Bills’ preseason game, marking the first time he played in the preseason since 2017 (Bolt Beat)

Jim Harbaugh gave Dalevon Campbell a glowing endorsement following his performance against the Saints (Charger Report)

NFL News:​

Cam Heyward has said he’d be willing to sit out regular season games if his deal is not restructured (ESPN)

The biggest challenge each NFC team will face during the 2025 season (CBS Sports)

One word to describe 40 notable quarterbacks in the NFL (CBS Sports)

Grading rookies from their performances in Preseason Week One (NFL.com)

Hendon Hooker was pulled early against the Falcons due to fumble issues (Pro Football Talk)

Emmitt Smith does not blame Jerry Jones for the Cowboys’ Super Bowl drought (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/los-angeles-chargers-news/24480670/chargers-daily-links

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers 2025 player stats following Preseason Week 1

The Chargers are 2-0 through their first two preseason games with dominant wins over both the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints. Both wins were headlined by strong defensive efforts by some of the youngest Chargers on the team, including a trio of undrafted free agent cornerbacks in Nikko Reed, Myles Purchase, and Eric Rogers.

Former Titans UDFA Caleb Murphy has been on a tear this preseason as well, leading the team in sacks and making a number of impact plays when on the field.

Maybe it’s just me, but this may be the most fun I’ve had watching the Chargers since I started covering the team in 2017. Of course winning is an easy way to make that happen, but it just feels like there’s all of a sudden so much depth on the team. And I mean all the way down to the third and fourth-stringers.

Through the first two of their four preseason exhibitions this year, here are the guys at the top of the stat sheet.

Offense

Passing

Trey Lance: 20-of-34, 175 passing yards, two touchdowns
DJ Uiagalelei: 3-of-4, 74 passing yards
Taylor Heinicke: 1-of-5, eight passing yards

Rushing

Hassan Haskins 67 rushing yards
Trey Lance: 56 rushing yards, one touchdown
Kimani Vidal: 53 rushing yards, two touchdowns
Nyheim Miller-Hines: 44 rushing yards
Raheim Sanders: 42 rushing yards, one touchdown

Receiving

Dalevon Campbell: 74 receiving yards
KeAndre Lambert-Smith: 43 receiving yards, one touchdown
Brenden Rice: 25 receiving yards
Oronde Gadsden II: 22 receiving yards
Hassan Haskins: 20 receiving yards

Defense

Tackles

S Emany Johnson: 17
S RJ Mickens: 11
LB Marlowe Wax: 11
CB Ja’Sir Taylor: 9
S Kendall Williamson: 8

Sacks

EDGE Caleb Murphy: 2
DT Jamaree Caldwell: 1
LB Marlowe Wax: 1
DT TeRah Edwards: 1
S Tony Jefferson: 1
EDGE Tre’mon Morris Brash: 1

Interceptions

CB Eric Rogers: 2
CB Myles Purchase: 1
CB Nikko Reed: 1

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-2025-player-stats-following-preseason-week-1