NFL teams have completed their organized team activities and minicamps. As they gear up for the next phase, training camps will kick off in late July.
The opening preseason game, featuring the Carolina Panthers against the Arizona Cardinals, will air on NBC on Thursday, August 6, marking the return of NFL action in the Hall of Fame Game. The subsequent preseason games will run from August 13-15 for the first week, followed by games on August 20-23, and August 27-29 for the second and third weeks, respectively.
Chargers’ Training Camp and Position Battle
Before the preseason commences, teams must report to training camp. The exact reporting date for the Los Angeles Chargers remains unannounced, but attention turns to a significant competition they face this summer.
Position Battle: Left Guard
The Chargers must address a crucial gap in their offensive line. This need arises after the departure of Zion Johnson, their 6-foot-3, 316-pound guard selected in the first round in 2022.
Johnson contributed 1,130 offensive snaps last season, permitting 29 pressures, 17 hurries, and five sacks. Replacing him involves considering two seasoned veterans and a rookie.
Trevor Penning stands as a leading contender. The 27-year-old has a solid record with 33 NFL starts. His versatility along the line is evident from his 1,081 snaps at right tackle, 511 at left tackle, 358 at left guard, and 90 at right guard.
Despite Penning’s starting experience, Kayode Awosika has more minutes at the guard position in the NFL. Over five seasons with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, he amassed 615 snaps at left guard and 358 at right guard.
Rookie Jake Slaughter adds an intriguing element to the mix. The Chargers selected him in the second round of the 2026 draft, one of four offensive linemen additions including Travis Burke, Logan Taylor, and Alex Harkey.
Slaughter’s college career was dedicated entirely to center, where he registered 2,142 snaps. However, the Chargers see great potential in his transition to guard. Though he enters the competition slightly behind, his presence in preseason could be significant.
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