The Chargers kicked off their first OTA practice of the spring Monday. This marked the beginning of Phase 3, including nine OTAs — all voluntary — and a mandatory two-day minicamp June 15-16.
There were both expected and unexpected absences on Day 1. Here’s the full list of players who weren’t spotted on the practice field at Hoag Performance Center.
Joey Bosa
Austin Ekeler
J.C. Jackson
Mike Williams
Jerry Tillery
Kenneth Murray
Tillery not participating is surprising, to say the least. The former first-round pick has failed to live up to his draft billing and is entering the final year of his contract, as the team did not pick up the fifth-year option.
A starter last season, playing time is not guaranteed this year. Instead, he will have to compete for snaps with the team’s offseason additions, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, and rookie Otito Ogbonnia.
Tillery’s status will closely be monitored over the week.
Murray underwent ankle surgery earlier this offseason, but Brandon Staley said that he should be ready to start training camp.
As for Bosa, Ekeler, Jackson, and Williams, there were no explanations for their absences.
It’s worth noting that players can miss OTA sessions for various reasons, including illness, injury, or personal matters, except for mandatory minicamp on June 15-16.