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The Chargers reported to training camp on Wednesday in preparation for their first practice on Thursday, as Los Angeles is starting their preseason program early ahead of the Hall of Fame Game on July 31.
Keeping defensive coordinator Jesse Minter in the building was a huge win for the Chargers’ defense, but a few questions remain at every level of the unit.
Let’s take a look at the biggest question at each position group.
DL: Who fills the void left by Poona Ford?
Ford is on the other side of town with the Rams after leaving in free agency, while the Chargers have turned to a handful of players to recreate his 2025 impact in the aggregate. Teair Tart was effective in a smaller role last season and is back and penciled in as a starter this year. Third-rounder Jamaree Caldwell is the natural Ford replacement, but may need a bit of extra time to become an impact player. Bargain free agents Da’Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones will also be in the mix.
EDGE: Is Tuli Tuipulotu ready to take the next step?
Tuipulotu is set to be a full-time starter for the first time after two seasons serving as the understudy to Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. The third-year man from USC has shown flashes in spot start duty, but has yet to emerge as the top-tier pass rusher the Chargers thought he might be after a strong rookie season. Without the extra burden of playing special teams this season, though, Tuipulotu may have the little bit extra in the tank to take the next step this season.
LB: Who starts next to Daiyan Henley?
Denzel Perryman is back after starting 11 games last season, but Los Angeles is very high on second-year linebacker Junior Colson, who will get a full offseason program after dealing with an appendectomy and ankle injury last season. Those around the team, including Perryman, have said that the expectation is for Colson to break out this season as he gets acclimated to the defense he played in at Michigan with Minter. But Perryman was also the team’s best run defender last season and may be too stabilizing of a presence to take off the field to start the year.
CB: How many are the Chargers willing to keep on the 53-man roster?
It seems like five roster spots are already locked at corner, between Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, Benjamin St-Juste, and Deane Leonard. Los Angeles also has slot corner Ja’Sir Taylor and seventh-rounder Trikweze Bridges in the mix, however, which will probably lead to some tough decisions as the Chargers trim the roster to 53. Taylor has been effective on special teams despite his struggles on defense, while Bridges offers some flexibility between corner and safety.
S: Does the rookie or the vet win the final roster spot?
Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, and Elijah Molden are all solidly on the 53-man roster and will play big roles for the Chargers this season, but it’s unlikely that LA keeps more than four bodies back there given the depth at cornerback. That fourth spot will come down to veteran Tony Jefferson and sixth-rounder RJ Mickens, with Jefferson having the more uphill battle towards a roster spot. He started on the practice squad last season and is not subject to waivers due to his veteran status, so if the battle is close, Mickens will likely be the one to make the initial 53-man roster.
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