EL SEGUNDO – The Chargers returned to The Bolt following their victory in the first preseason game against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night in Canton, Ohio. On Friday, more news emerged regarding the Chargers, both good and bad. Former Chargers wide receiver and free agent Keenan Allen met with the team about a potential return to where his career began. Meanwhile, Denzel Perryman made headlines on Friday night after being arrested in Los Angeles.
Keenan Allen, Chargers Exploring Reunion
A familiar face was back in the building on Friday, as six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen visited the Los Angeles Chargers’ facility. According to team sources, there is mutual interest in a potential reunion between Allen and the club that drafted him in 2013.
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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) reacts to a catch in the direction of Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) during the third quarter at Bills Stadium.
Allen, 33, spent 13 seasons with the Chargers before being traded to the Chicago Bears before the 2024 season. He led Chicago in receptions and receiving yards last year, showing he still has plenty left in the tank. A return to L.A. would provide the Chargers with a veteran presence in a young receiving corps that has experienced turnover in recent seasons.
The Chargers could benefit from Allen’s elite route-running and leadership while they develop young weapons like Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. No deal has been finalized, but the door is open, and momentum is building.
Denzel Perryman Arrested on Felony Weapons Charge
Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman was arrested Friday night in South Los Angeles on felony weapons charges, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies stopped Perryman around 9:30 p.m. for traffic violations and discovered five firearms in his vehicle, including two assault-style rifles.
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Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman smiles at press conference during offseason workouts at The Bolt.
Perryman, 32, was cooperative during the stop and was booked at 10:06 p.m. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in Inglewood Court on Tuesday, August 5.
This is a serious development for the Chargers, who had pegged Perryman to start in their retooled inside linebacker group after bringing him back to the team for the 2024 season. The team has yet to issue a public statement, but his status for training camp—and possibly the season—is now in jeopardy.
Lance, Vidal Shine in Blowout Win; Camp Rolls On
The Chargers turned heads Thursday night with a dominant 34–7 preseason victory over the Detroit Lions, highlighted by a sharp outing from quarterback Trey Lance. The former third overall pick completed 13-of-20 passes for two touchdowns and looked in full command of the offense.
Running back Kimani Vidal, a sixth-round draft pick in 2024, continued his strong summer with 37 rushing yards and two scores on just nine carries. Vidal is pushing for a roster spot and has emerged as a camp standout.
Saturday marked Day 12 of training camp, but the team was without several key players due to injury or precautionary rest. Among those not practicing were tackle Mekhi Becton, receiver Ladd McConkey, linebacker Junior Colson, and edge rusher Kyle Kennard.
Before the preseason even began, Tre’ Harris found himself in a standoff with the Chargers over contract terms. The Chargers’ second-round pick, who was highly touted as a top-tier prospect in the draft, felt his initial rookie contract offer undervalued his potential. The stalemate lasted for weeks, with no agreement in sight, leading many to wonder if Harris’s holdout would have lasting effects on his development.
Fortunately for both Harris and the Chargers, the standoff was resolved. Once Harris signed his contract on July 17, he was quickly inserted into team drills, though Roman acknowledged that it would take time for him to catch up.
The Chargers will return to game action on Saturday, August 10, when they host the New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium in their second preseason matchup.