EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Day three of Chargers training camp was defined by a fast, aggressive defense flying around and making plays. Offensively, there were signs of miscommunication, mistakes, and turnovers.
Pads have yet to come on — the first padded practice is set for Tuesday at the University of San Diego. One player looking forward to it is rookie right tackle Joe Alt, who is eager for one-on-one reps with Khalil Mack.
“I’m always looking forward to him,” Alt said. “There’s no one you could ask for to go up against who’s better. I mean, he’s going to teach you things you don’t know about your game and expose things you’re not really thinking about. So it’s always great to go up against a guy like him.”
Darwin Walker – The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers #8 RB Omarion Hampton participates in individual drills during training camp on July 19, 2025 at the Bolt practice facility in El Segundo, CA.
Alt lined up at left tackle on Saturday evening, as the team gave Rashawn Slater “a blow,” according to offensive coordinator Greg Roman — meaning a rest day.
Roman emphasized it wasn’t injury-related and that Slater should be back Monday.
“He’s here, he’s working,” Roman said. “It’s just whether we give him reps or not.”
With Alt at left tackle, the offensive line featured Zion Johnson at left guard, Bradley Bozeman at center, Jamaree Salyer at right guard, and Trey Pipkins at right tackle. Mekhi Becton, meanwhile, was in Philadelphia receiving his Super Bowl ring.
During the second series of 11-on-11, Justin Herbert dropped back and targeted receiver Jalen Reagor, but cornerback Deane Leonard jumped the route and returned the interception for a touchdown.
On Herbert’s next series, rookie receiver Dalevon Campbell beat fellow rookie cornerback Trikweze Bridges on a seam route. Herbert delivered a perfect pass, but Campbell dropped what would have been a sure touchdown. The crowd groaned in frustration.
Later, with Trey Lance at quarterback, he threw a pass to rookie receiver Tre Harris, who was immediately sandwiched by linebacker Denzel Perryman and cornerback Donte Jackson. The ball was tipped into the air, and linebacker Daiyan Henley came down with the interception—his second takeaway in three practices.
During a situational drill at the end of practice, on the second play, Herbert dropped back as Khalil Mack executed a stunt with defensive tackle Teair Tart. Tart looped outside while Joe Alt and Zion Johnson double-teamed him, leaving Mack unblocked. In a regular-season game, Mack would have had a clear shot at Herbert. Instead, he eased up, and Herbert completed a pass to tight end Tyler Conklin.
Receivers struggled with footing throughout practice, and there were clear signs of miscommunication.
“We’re working through it,” Roman said.
One player who continues to shine is rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden, who had two catches during the seven-on-seven period. His highlight came during 11-on-11s, when he sprinted up the sideline, leaving rookie Emany Johnson a step behind. Herbert found him in stride for a big gain.
“He’s doing a really nice job,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “Again, let’s get in the pads, get some practices under our belt with that and see how we’re doing.”
The departure of Mike Williams has left a noticeable void in the offense. While Williams wasn’t active last year, Roman said the staff was excited about the prospect of working with him and had built plans around his skillset.
Williams primarily operated as the X-receiver because of his size and ability to win contested catches.
So who could fill that role now? Roman listed four potential options: Quentin Johnston, Jalen Reagor, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and Tre Harris. Initially, the staff envisioned Harris stepping into Joshua Palmer’s old Z-receiver spot, but Roman hinted that they’re keeping options open.
“Tre’ can pretty much play any of those positions,” Roman said. “He’s pretty flexible in that regard. We still haven’t totally dialed in on how much we’re going to move him around. We’re moving him around a little bit right now, and we’re going to see how that goes and monitor it. But definitely want him to get a base at something right now.”