Category: Latest Chargers news

Chargers’ Brandon Staley ‘optimistic’ Austin Ekeler will play in season opener

The Chargers’ lead back is trending towards playing this Sunday.

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler returned to practice Friday after missing the last two with a hamstring issue.

Head coach Brandon Staley said that he is optimistic Ekeler will play this Sunday, adding that he looked good in practice.

On the final injury report, Ekeler was listed as a full participant and he is questionable heading into the season opener against the Washington Football Team.

If whatever reason Ekeler isn’t able to go, Staley said that the load would be split up between Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree.

The only other notable on the report is that defensive back Trey Marshall will be unavailable as he’s currently dealing with an ankle injury.

4 key matchups to watch as Chargers face Washington in Week 1

Breaking down key matchups to watch for in the Chargers’ opener against Washington.

The Chargers’ 2021 regular season kicks off with a road matchup against the Washington Football Team this Sunday at 10 am PT.

Here are five matchups to keep an eye on in Week 1:

Chargers offensive line vs. Washington defensive line

General manager Tom Telesco made a major investment into the line this offseason, signing Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi and drafting Rashawn Slater to join Bryan Bulaga.

On paper, this is arguably the most talented lines that the Chargers have had in years, but what matters at the end of the day is the product that they put on the field.

Facing a Washington defensive front that largely attributed to having the second-best overall defense last season, Los Angeles will have their work cut out for them.

In particular, the battle between reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young and Slater is one of the biggest storylines.

After finishing No. 31 in pass block win rate in 2020, this matchup should set the tone early on. If the Bolts can hold their own, they’re capable of doing it against any other team.

Chargers’ wide receivers vs. Washington’s cornerbacks

Even in the face of a fearsome front, the Chargers will still likely look to put the ball in the hands of quarterback Justin Herbert. While pressure is one thing, Herbert will still have a talented pairing in the defensive backfield to be aware of.

Football Team signed William Jackson, who limited Keenan Allen to only four catches for 37 yards on eight targets last season when he was with the Bengals. Washington will also put Kendall Fuller in the slot, with Jackson moving outside.

After spending two seasons prior to with the Chiefs, Fuller re-signed with the team that originally drafted him last offseason and put together one of his better campaigns from a production standpoint – amassing 11 passes defensed and four interceptions.

Chargers CB Michael Davis vs. Washington WR Terry McLaurin

Re-signed this offseason after proving his worth in a starting role against some of the league’s top wideouts in 2020, Davis is now the No. 1 cornerback for the Chargers, and he will have the opportunity to live up to his label to kick off the season with a tough matchup in McLaurin.

Catching passes from seven different quarterbacks, including Colt McCoy, Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke, McLaurin still managed to be productive – eclipsing over 2,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons.

With Curtis Samuel out of this contest due to a groin injury, veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely target McLaurin early and often. Davis will look to use his foot speed, length and width to challenge him as much as possible.

Chargers tight ends vs. Washington LB Jamin Davis

During the final season that offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi called plays for the Lions, QB Matthew Stafford targeted the tight end on nearly 25% of his passes. Saints’ Drew Brees relied heavily on his tight ends, as well.

This season, Jared Cook and Donald Parham will be integral pieces of the passing offense, and don’t be surprised to see them involved quite often this weekend in hopes of exploiting Davis, Washington’s first-round pick.

One of Davis’ strengths coming out of Kentucky was his ability to cover bigger tight ends, so only time will tell if that skill translates over in his regular season debut.

Other matchups to watch

Chargers EDGE Joey Bosa vs. Washington rookie OT Samuel Cosmi

Chargers LB Kenneth Murray vs. Washington RB Antonio Gibson

Chargers S Derwin James vs. Washington TE Logan Thomas

Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr. vs. Washington rookie WR Dyami Brown

Checking in on status of Chargers RB Austin Ekeler following Thursday’s practice

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is still dealing with a hamstring issue.

After missing practice on Wednesday, Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was a non-participant again today.

Ekeler, who is currently dealing with a hamstring issue, had his helmet and pads on but did not participate. Instead, he just watched from the side.

According to Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed, the team is optimistic Ekeler can play Week 1 barring any setbacks.

Ekeler had a hamstring injury that sidelined him for six games last season, which is why this is something that should be monitored closely leading up into the season opener.

If Ekeler isn’t able to go, Justin Jackson will be handed the keys as the lead back while Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree compliment him.

Los Angeles will practice once more on Friday before flying out to Washington.

Chargers’ Rashawn Slater puts college matchups vs. Chase Young in past, looks ahead to regular season debut

No other college tackle handled Chase Young better than Rashawn Slater did.

Rookie tackle Rashawn Slater stamped himself as a first rounder with his performances against edge defender Chase Young, most notably when Northwestern played Ohio State in 2019.

That season, Slater allowed zero sacks. In addition to giving up no quarterback takedowns, Slater gave up just one quarterback hit and four quarterback hurries on 355 pass-blocking reps.

Slater, who handled Young better than any other tackle did, will have the opportunity to replicate that in the regular season opener this Sunday when the Chargers take on Football Team.

While Slater was shaped as a prospect during the pre-draft process for his tape against Young in college, he believes that should not matter anymore as they have both developed as players in the two-year span.

“That’s the past, and he’s taken steps and I have taken steps since then,” Slater said. “So I don’t think about that past matchup as having any sort of factor. Really, it’s all about protecting Justin [Herbert] and moving the ball.”

Nonetheless, Slater will have his work cut out for him when he goes up against the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year who had 7.5 sacks, forced four fumbles and recovered three — returning one for a touchdown in 2020.

If the training camp battles against Joey Bosa are any indication how he will fare in this league, Slater is tailor-made to protect the blindside at a high level – displaying the complete package from a mental, physical and technical standpoint.

Chargers’ Nasir Adderley named front-runner as primary kick returner

In 2020, Nasir Adderley averaged 28.9 yards per kick return.

The Chargers’ remodeled special teams department is taking shape.

According to head coach Brandon Staley, safety Nasir Adderley has the lead to serve as the team’s primary kick returner.

During the preseason, it was Justin Jackson, Larry Rountree, K.J. Hill and Adderley who were all in competition for the job.

Last season, Tyron Johnson and Joe Reed and Adderley returned kicks and it was the former second-round pick who was the most superior out of the trio.

On 11 attempts, Adderley totaled 318 yards, with an average of 28.9 yards per return.

Staley also added that Hill will be the punt returner to begin the season.

Los Angeles Chargers’ 3 keys to victory over Washington Football Team

Highlighting what the Chargers must focus on in order to pick up a win in the season opener.

The Chargers are set to open up the 2021 season with a road matchup against the Football Team. How does Los Angeles come away with a victory?

Here are my three keys to a Bolts win:

Be multi-dimensional

The offense lies in the hands of quarterback Justin Herbert, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, but if there’s one thing about Football Team’s defense it’s that they’re stingy when their opponents air it out.

Washington had the No. 2 pass defense in the league last season, with the pass-rush having a big hand in that. Even with a newly revamped offensive line, the Chargers solely rely on their passing attack.

Instead, they must look to get a ground game going against a unit that allowed nearly 115 rushing yards last season to alleviate some of the pressure on Herbert and the line.

Running back Austin Ekeler’s availability is currently up in the air as he’s dealing with a hamstring issue. If he can’t go then Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley and rookie Larry Rountree must all step up in his absence.

Rampage Ryan

It’s Ryan Fitzpatrick who takes over as Washington’s signal-caller, and in order for the Chargers to have the advantage they must rain on his parade in his debut in the burgundy and gold.

The defense, which is now led by Staley after overseeing the Rams’ top-ranked unit a season ago, must force Fitzpatrick into making mistakes early and often. The veteran will not shy away from putting the ball in the air and looking to take advantage of their slew of weapons.

Staley’s emphasis on bringing heat from as many places and coverage disguise in attempt to create uncertainty for Fitzpatrick — combined with playmakers led by Derwin James, Joey Bosa, Kenneth Murray, Michael Davis, Chris Harris Jr. and rookie Asante Samuel Jr. — will be crucial.

Stay strong on special teams

A few of the Chargers’ losses from last season were attributed to a poor special teams department, whether it was poor coverage and return skills, bone-headed penalties or kicking woes.

Staley put a great emphasis on the department, bringing in Derius Swinton, who has 14 years of experience and constructing the 53-man roster with players that he felt would benefit the most.

Now with Tristan Vizcaino as the starting kicker, Nasir Adderley as the kick returner, K.J. Hill as the punt returner and a combination of some returners and new additions on coverage units, the expectation is that there will be a better product on the field.

RB Austin Ekeler among players on first injury report of 2021

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was a non-participant on Wednesday.

The Chargers had their first practice of the week in preparation for the regular season opener against Football Team.

Here’s a look at Wednesday’s practice injury report for Los Angeles, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter account:

The most notable player who was a non-participant was running back Austin Ekeler. He worked off to the side with trainers during the portion of practice open to reporters, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

The severity of his injury remains to be seen and it could be precautionary for all that we know, but it’s worth noting that Ekeler missed six games last season with a hamstring injury.

The status of Ekeler will be closely monitored the next two days. If whatever reason, he can’t go then the team will turn to Justin Jackson to get the start, while Joshua Kelley and rookie Larry Rountree back him up.

Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was a full participant, and head coach Brandon Staley said that he is trending towards playing this weekend.

Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr. wins starting spot

The Chargers’ second-round pick will start in Week 1.

One of the bigger storylines throughout the summer was who was going to start alongside cornerbacks Michael Davis and Chris Harris Jr.

We finally have our answer.

Head coach Brandon Staley announced that rookie Asante Samuel Jr. won the job at the team’s media availability Wednesday.

Samuel entered training camp in a battle with Brandon Facyson, but Samuel rose to the occasion.

Davis will play on the outside, as will Harris, but just in base packages, which is what Staley doesn’t play all that often in.

Instead, Los Angeles will be playing in sub-packages; nickel (five DBs) and dime (six DBs) for the majority of their defensive snaps.

When the unit goes into those, Harris will slide into the slot, which means that Samuel will play near the boundary.

Drafted in the second-round, Samuel posted 97 tackles, 29 passes defensed and four interceptions over 31 games at Florida State.

His quickness, instincts and ball skills are NFL-ready, as seen throughout the summer. Look for him to make an impact right off the bat.

Chargers OT Bryan Bulaga on track to start Week 1

The 32-year old is on track to start this Sunday against the Washington Football Team.

Entering the week, head coach Brandon Staley said that offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga’s (hip flexor) availability for the season opener would depend on how he looked at practice.

Fast forward to now and it appears that the 32-year old is trending towards starting this Sunday against the Football Team, according to head coach Brandon Staley.

If anything changes, Storm Norton will start at right tackle.

The health of Bulaga is something to be monitored this season after coming off an injury-plagued in which he only played nearly 38% of the offensive snaps.

If and when he’s on the field, the Chargers boast a stout offensive line. If not, things could get a little bit shaky.

Chargers RB Justin Jackson ‘a full go’ to start the season

Chargers running back Justin Jackson has been proven to be a weapon out of the backfield when healthy.

Chargers running back Justin Jackson is expected to be on the field this Sunday for the regular-season opener against the Football Team.

At media availability on Wednesday, head coach Brandon Staley said that Jackson is a “full go,” adding that he is an asset to the offense.

Jackson missed nearly the entire preseason with a groin injury.

Entering the final year of his contract, Jackson has struggled to stay healthy, only managing to play in 29 out of 48 regular season games.

When he’s been available, Jackson has proven to be a threat out of the backfield, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

Jackson is expected to resume his role as the primary backup to Austin Ekeler.

The coaching staff will be holding hope that he can stay injury-free. If so, he’s an ideal compliment to Ekeler who can impact the game in both facets.

If not, the team will then turn to Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree, who are likely to be a short-yardage specialists and special teamers to start the season.