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<\/p>\nIt\u2019s been more than 30 years since the Chargers headed to Canton, Ohio, to open an NFL preseason.<\/p>\n
After last year\u2019s 11-win season and playoff appearance, the team\u2019s goal is clear: Build on that success. With a returning core, most starting spots are already set heading into this season.<\/p>\n
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Head coach Jim Harbaugh said ahead of Thursday\u2019s Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions \u2014 the first of four preseason games \u2014 that many \u201cveteran starters\u201d won\u2019t play, given the extra game. That opens the door for rookies looking to make a strong first impression and others still fighting to solidify starting roles.<\/p>\n
Here are five players to watch in the preseason opener:<\/p>\n
Omarion Hampton<\/p>\n
The Chargers doubled down on their backfield this offseason, signing Najee Harris and drafting Omarion Hampton in the first round \u2014 two imposing figures built for Greg Roman\u2019s run-heavy offense. Unexpectedly, Hampton has assumed all first-team reps, handling a heavy workload as Harris remains sidelined with no timetable to return after suffering a superficial eye injury in a fireworks accident. What once looked like a backfield split clearly favoring Harris could narrow if Hampton can impress in his debut, giving the rookie a chance to earn a larger stake early.<\/p>\n
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Tre Harris<\/p>\n
Wide receiver Tre Harris has made an impression with Chargers coaches during preseason workouts. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea \/ Associated Press)<\/p>\n
When Tre Harris \u2014 the big-bodied, long-striding wide receiver \u2014 was drafted in the second round, he expected to learn behind veteran Mike Williams. But with Williams\u2019 surprising retirement on the first day of training camp, just like last season with Ladd McConkey, the offense will lean heavily on a rookie for meaningful production. Though Harris held out at the start of camp \u2014 one of 30 second-round rookie holdouts leaguewide \u2014 he\u2019s quickly made up for lost time, displaying his sharp route-running and leaping ability while rapidly building chemistry with Justin Herbert.<\/p>\n
Read more: How Antonio Gates amazingly made the Hall of Fame without playing college football<\/a><\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Jamaree Caldwell<\/p>\n Few NFL players can combine speed and agility while playing at more than 340 pounds \u2014 but rookie Jamaree Caldwell has shown he can early on. Like last season, the defensive line looks set to operate as a deep rotation, especially inside, a group the coaching staff says can never be deep enough. That depth should give Caldwell significant snaps while the starters catch a breather.<\/p>\n Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter touts Caldwell as a player \u201con the rise\u201d who is steadily getting comfortable with the scheme, and is becoming a “dominant block destructor\u201d who \u201chas the ability to make plays in the backfield.”<\/p>\n Zion Johnson<\/p>\n In an experimental phase, the interior line has been a mishmash with Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman flipping between center and left guard. Harbaugh says Johnson will start at center, calling it a \u201cvaluable opportunity,\u201d as he\u2019s expected to play the first couple of drives \u2014 his first snaps at center ever during a game.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The last few practices have exposed growing pains \u2014 missed defensive stunts, false starts and an errant snap \u2014 the team hopes will fade with more reps as Johnson continues to familiarize himself with the intricacies of playing center.<\/p>\n Kyle Kennard<\/p>\n With Joey Bosa gone, the pecking order for edge rushers is shifting under a next-man-up mentality. Tuli Tuipulotu has firmly stepped into Bosa\u2019s role, and fourth-round draft pick Kyle Kennard \u2014 a former consensus All-American at South Carolina \u2014 now competes for the backup spot.<\/p>\n Read more: Latest Jim Harbaugh experiment could have a major impact on Justin Herbert’s season<\/a><\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Kennard has impressed in camp, a physical presence with high effort since the pads came on, playing \u201cthe style that we want those guys to play,\u201d according to Minter. Still, there\u2019s room for improvement in execution. With Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree all expected to sit, Thursday\u2019s preseason game allows for Kennard to earn meaningful reps on defense and special teams \u2014 opportunities to raise his profile with coaches.<\/p>\n