Los Angeles Chargers News

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Tyler Biadasz • C • Chargers

Tyler Biadasz Carted Off With Leg Injury

Los Angeles Chargers center Tyler Biadasz (leg) was carted off during Tuesday's joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers after going down in 11-on-11 drills. 49ers defensive tackle Sebastian Valdez fell on Biadasz's left knee, and the veteran center was unable to put weight on the leg before leaving on the cart. Biadasz signed a multi-year deal with Los Angeles in March and has been working as the Chargers' starting center, with rookie second-round pick Jake Slaughter listed behind him on the latest unofficial depth chart. Slaughter has already taken preseason snaps at center, so he would be the obvious in-house option if Biadasz misses time. The way he left the field was concerning, especially for an offensive line that added him to stabilize the middle. How much time Biadasz might miss now becomes the question for Los Angeles.

5 hours ago

Quentin Johnston • WR • Chargers

Quentin Johnston Comes Up Limping at Tuesday's Practice

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston appeared to suffer a lower-body injury during Tuesday's joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers. Johnston came up limping after trying to make a leaping catch near the sideline, and trainers immediately began working on him. Johnston had already missed some practice time recently, with head coach Jim Harbaugh saying last week that he was dealing with something minor, and he did not practice Monday. It's unclear if Tuesday's issue is related. Johnston is coming off his best NFL season, catching 51 passes for 735 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games. He has now led the Chargers with eight receiving touchdowns in back-to-back seasons, and Los Angeles picked up his fifth-year option in April. For now, this is a developing injury situation. Whether Johnston was able to return Tuesday or needs further testing will be the next important update.

5 hours ago

Justin Herbert • QB • Chargers

Justin Herbert to Start Preseason Game on Thursday

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the team's starters will play a series on Thursday in the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, including quarterback Justin Herbert, according to Steve Wyche of the NFL Network. It will be important for Herbert in terms of game operation and to get game reps with new center Tyler Biadasz. It will be the first preseason action this year for the 28-year-old after he sat out the opener last week against the Houston Texans. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has given the 28-year-old signal-caller plenty of praise for picking up his offense extremely quickly during training camp. McDaniel should put Herbert in a better position to succeed in 2026 in his sixth year in the league, and with his dual-threat abilities at the position, Herbert will be an intriguing midrange QB1 for fantasy managers after the big names come off the board. Although the Chargers' receiving corps does not strike fear in opposing defenses, the Chargers' offense should be more explosive with McDaniel running the show.

7 hours ago

Justin Herbert • QB • Chargers

Mike McDaniel Has High Praise for Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel praised quarterback Justin Herbert for how he has adjusted to the new system. On Monday, McDaniel said Herbert is "far past where quarterbacks usually are in Year 1." "He's been everything I'd hoped for and more." Herbert is transitioning from former offensive coordinator Greg Roman's system to McDaniel's, which will feature extensive pre-snap motion and varied alignments. During his two years under Roman, Herbert posted career lows in passing yards, attempts, and completions. Currently ranked QB7 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Herbert and the Chargers are hoping for an offensive explosion in the first year of McDaniel's offense.

21 hours ago

Brenen Thompson • WR • Chargers

Brenen Thompson Making Noise With More Big Plays

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Brenen Thompson connected with Justin Herbert for another deep completion at Sunday's practice, according to Alex Insdorf. It's becoming a theme for the rookie. The Chargers had already highlighted a pair of long catches from Herbert early in camp, including a deep cross that went for a big gain. Thompson has the speed for that kind of work after running a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also led the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards at Mississippi State last season while averaging 18.5 yards per catch and scoring six touchdowns. Los Angeles currently lists Thompson behind Quentin Johnston on its unofficial depth chart, with Ladd McConkey and Johnston in the starting spots and Tre' Harris also pushing for work. There is still plenty of competition for targets, but Thompson keeps making himself difficult to ignore. His downfield chemistry with Herbert has been one of the more consistent stories of Chargers camp.

2 days ago

Tre' Harris • WR • Chargers

Tre' Harris Flashes With One-Handed Catch at Saturday's Practice

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris made one of the better plays of Saturday's practice, snagging a one-handed catch during team work. It would not have counted in a game, as the Chargers noted a false start and a Tuli Tuipulotu sack on the rep, but Harris still put his ball skills on display. The 2025 second-round pick had 30 catches for 324 yards and one touchdown as a rookie. His finish was more encouraging than the full-season line, with 187 receiving yards over the final six games. Mike McDaniel has liked what he's seen, saying this offseason that Harris has "a lot more juice" than he realized coming out of Ole Miss. A WR1 push is probably getting ahead of things. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston remain listed as the starters on the Chargers' current depth chart, with Harris behind McConkey. But Harris is making a real case for more work in Year 2, and Saturday's highlight only adds to that push in Justin Herbert's offense.

2 days ago

Keandre Lambert-Smith • WR • Chargers

The Game is Slowing Down for Keandre Lambert-Smith

As a rookie in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith was one of the buzzier names throughout training camp and the preseason. While he's had a quieter second camp amid significant offensive changes in Los Angeles, he once more shined in the team's first game of the preseason, racking up 58 yards on a team-leading four catches in Thursday's win over the Texans. On Saturday, he spoke with the media about how things have changed in his second season. "Mentally, things the outside can't see. Me and my mind, slowing the game down, understanding the offense better," Lambert-Smith said. "It's a new offense for everybody, but being in the playbook, understanding it, understanding defense more. Just slowing everything down." With his separation standing out in film review, head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Lambert-Smith as the team's most productive receiver, and if the 24-year-old can carve out a role in what projects to be a high-powered offense, he could eventually work his way into the streaming conversation as fantasy options inevitably thin later in the season.

2 days ago

Omarion Hampton • RB • Chargers

Omarion Hampton's Redraft Value in Question Amid Workload Uncertainty

Los ngeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton had his rookie season in 2025 disrupted by an ankle injury that caused him to miss eight games. Still, the former first-round pick was productive in his time on the field, recording 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 156 touches across nine contests. Entering 2026, expectations are high for both Hampton and the Chargers offense as a whole following the team's offseason acquisition of new play-caller Mike McDaniel. With his versatile skill set as both a rusher and a pass-catcher, Hampton has three-down workhorse upside. However, the Chargers signed running back Keaton Mitchell in free agency and also roster running back Kimani Vidal, who filled in admirably for Hampton at times in 2025. McDaniel has already said that the team plans on using all three backs once the regular season begins. Hampton has the highest ceiling of the Chargers' running back options, so he could quickly establish himself as too good to take off the field. At the same time, his redraft value for the 2026 season is trending slightly downwards until the playing time split in Los Angeles becomes more clear.

3 days ago

Trey Lance • QB • Chargers

Trey Lance Has Roller-Coaster Performance in Preseason Opener

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 164 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception in his team's 27-7 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday. Lance also had three carries for 27 rushing yards. The 26-year-old was given the starting role for the Chargers' preseason opener, as the team decided to rest Justin Herbert and other key players. Lance had highs and lows during his six-drive performance by showing flashes of his athleticism and shaky ball security before handing the reins to DJ Uiagalelei to finish the game. The two are competing for the QB2 spot to be Herbert's backup for the 2026 season. Lance has the slight edge in the quarterback battle, and having familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system helps his case. However, Uiagalelei will be pushing him for the spot every week until the end of the preseason.

3 days ago

David Njoku • TE • Chargers

David Njoku Hard to Trust in Crowded Tight End Room

Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku landed with a much better quarterback this offseason, but the fantasy setup around him is a lot less comfortable. Njoku caught 33 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games for Cleveland last season, well below the 81-882-6 line he posted in 2023. Justin Herbert gives him a chance to rebound, especially near the goal line, where 26 of Njoku's 34 career touchdowns have come. The problem is finding enough work between the 20s. Oronde Gadsden II is coming off a 49-catch, 664-yard rookie season, Charlie Kolar was added in free agency, and the Chargers' first unofficial depth chart lists all three with an OR designation at tight end. Njoku has flashed in the red zone during camp, but there still isn't much separation in this group. RotoBaller has him at TE33 in half-PPR. The quarterback upgrade is real, but without a clearer route and target advantage, Njoku looks more like a touchdown-dependent TE3 than someone to trust in standard redraft leagues.

4 days ago

Brenen Thompson • WR • Chargers

Brenen Thompson Garners Six Targets in NFL Debut

Los Angeles Chargers wideout Brenen Thompson had two catches for 30 yards on six targets in Thursday's preseason 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans. Thompson was tied for the most targets last night (6) with wideout Keandre Lambert-Smith. The 23-year-old rookie immediately showed his ability to be a deep threat in the Chargers' offense with his average of 15 yards per catch. Thompson has had a strong training camp up to this point, and he could find his way into a consistent rotational role for the regular season if he continues to stand out. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel made a heavy push for the team to draft him, so it will be worth managers keeping notes on him as the preseason goes on.

4 days ago

Oronde Gadsden • TE • Chargers

Oronde Gadsden Gets Limited Action in Preseason Opener

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden had two catches for 21 yards on three targets in Thursday's 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans in their preseason opener. Gadsden's lone drop came in the end zone when officials ruled him out of bounds before he completed the catch. The 23-year-old played three offensive drives during the game, but more importantly, he was the only tight end in the potential rotation to play. David Njoku and Charlie Kolar were both held out of the game as the Chargers opted to rest most of their key starters and veterans. This could be the first sign of how the team values the tight end group and how they plan to utilize each of them this season. It will be worth keeping tabs on how much each tight end in that three-man rotation plays during the preseason.

4 days ago

Kimani Vidal • RB • Chargers

Kimani Vidal Starts Chargers' Preseason Opener

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal started Thursday's preseason opener against the Houston Texans, but his night was brief. Vidal carried five times for eight yards and did not catch his only target before the Chargers moved on to the rest of the backfield. Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell did not play. That difference is worth noting after Los Angeles spent much of camp talking up all three backs. The Chargers' current depth chart now has Mitchell second behind Hampton, with Vidal listed on the third line alongside Amar Johnson. Vidal proved last season that he can handle a bigger workload when needed, rushing for 643 yards and three touchdowns on 155 carries while making 10 starts. Mike McDaniel has also said he plans to use Hampton, Mitchell and Vidal during the regular season. Vidal should still have a role, but Thursday's usage was another sign that he may be entering the year behind Mitchell in the pecking order.

4 days ago

Keaton Mitchell • RB • Chargers

Keaton Mitchell's Preseason Absence Hints at Prominent Role?

Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell did not play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Houston Texans, joining Omarion Hampton, Justin Herbert and several other established starters on the sideline. That could be another clue that Mitchell has a real role waiting for him in Mike McDaniel's offense. The Chargers' current depth chart lists the 24-year-old second behind Hampton, and McDaniel has already said he plans to use all three of his top backs during the regular season. Mitchell gives the group something different with his speed. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry on 59 attempts for Baltimore last season and has averaged 6.3 yards per rush for his career. Nothing about sitting out one preseason game guarantees a major workload, but the Chargers apparently didn't need to see Mitchell in game action while evaluating the rest of the backfield. For a player who has never topped 59 carries in a season, that's an encouraging sign that his workload could grow in Los Angeles.

4 days ago

Charlie Kolar • TE • Chargers

Charlie Kolar a Player on the Rise

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar was one of the first players the team added in free agency, and while his biggest strength has always come as a blocker, he has a chance to thrive in a Mike McDaniel offense projected to see a lot of multiple-tight-end sets. NFL Daily Podcast's Gregg Rosenthal visited Chargers camp on Wednesday and made note of Kolar's heavy usage, adding that the team's unique personnel allows McDaniel to run just about anything he can think of. Kolar was listed as a co-starter on the team's first unofficial depth chart, along with David Njoku and Oronde Gadsden, and it should come as no surprise if all three regularly find the field at the same time and contribute in the passing game, creating a fantasy floor for all, but a much murkier upside case. Kolar is not a player who needs to be drafted in 2026 lineup leagues, but could at least warrant a late-round dart throw in deeper best ball formats.

5 days ago

Ladd McConkey • WR • Chargers

Ladd McConkey's Bounce-Back Case Is Getting Stronger

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey had a weird second season. After 82 catches, 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, he slipped to 66-789-6 in 2025 and never caught more than four passes in any of his final eight games. There is a pretty good reason to buy back in now. McConkey is full go after dealing with a hamstring strain during the offseason, and Mike McDaniel's offense looks like a much cleaner fit for him. The Chargers have been stressing quicker throws, motion and getting the ball into space, which should give McConkey chances to do what he does best. Justin Herbert has kept connecting with him in camp, including a long completion during Tuesday's one-on-one work. The room is not empty. Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris are both involved, and Los Angeles also has a deep tight end group with Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku and Charlie Kolar. That makes a huge target jump tough to assume. But McConkey is healthy, the scheme suits him, and RotoBaller has him at WR17 in half-PPR. After last year's letdown, there is a pretty believable path back to WR2 production.

6 days ago

Quentin Johnston • WR • Chargers

Quentin Johnston Has Room to Grow Beyond the Big Plays

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has scored eight touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, but offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel may give him more ways to produce in 2026. Johnston caught 51 of 84 targets for 735 yards in 14 games last year, and Los Angeles picked up his fifth-year option this spring. He has spent much of his NFL career doing damage downfield and around the end zone. McDaniel's offense could bring back another part of his game. Johnston has talked about getting more chances to create after the catch, something he did extremely well at TCU, and the early work with Justin Herbert has been encouraging. Ladd McConkey remains the safest bet to lead this receiving corps, while Tre' Harris and a deeper tight end room will keep Johnston from simply inheriting a huge target total. His 96.3 ADP reflects that uncertainty, with RotoBaller ranking him WR44 in half-PPR. Johnston doesn't need another eight touchdowns to pay off if McDaniel can get the ball into his hands in a few more ways.

6 days ago

Cameron Dicker • K • Chargers

Cameron Dicker an Elite Option at Kicker in 2026

Los Angeles Chargers place kicker Cameron Dicker enters the 2026 season as an elite option at the position. Dicker converted 38 of 41 field goal attempts in 2025 and added 34 extra points. He finished as the fourth-best kicker in fantasy last season and could build on that as the offense is set to improve under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Chargers ranked 20th in 2025, down from 11th in 2024, when Dicker ranked third among kickers. With their offensive line revamped and healthy, and quarterback Justin Herbert eyeing a big season, the offense should move up and down the field, which is good news for "Dicker the Kicker." There's no doubt he is among the elite at the position and should be off the board with the best of the kickers.

6 days ago

Keenan Allen • WR • Chargers

Keenan Allen a Late-Round Player to Watch

Former Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen remains without a landing spot as he prepares for the 2026 season. The 34-year-old receiver has yet to say whether he's going to play or hang up the cleats, but options are available if he decides to give it another go in 2026. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, or the Indianapolis Colts are good fits for Allen, as they lack a veteran receiver on the outside. Allen has tallied over 700 yards in the last two seasons, despite being in his 12th and 13th seasons. While he may not be the player he once was, Allen could be a target monster if he finds the right home in 2026.

6 days ago

Justin Herbert • QB • Chargers

Justin Herbert Growing More Comfortable in Chargers New Offense

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is growing comfortable in his new offensive scheme, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim. Under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, Herbert has improved his timing and has been sharp and accurate with his receivers. Herbert's fantasy value has declined over the past two seasons under Greg Roman, averaging 17.3 fantasy points per game, 2.4 points below his previous average from his first four seasons. If McDaniel's offense unlocks more passing volume than Roman's, Herbert could return to his old form as a consistent Top-5 quarterback. Fantasy managers should expect Herbert to rank as a mid-QB1 in 2026 drafts.

7 days ago

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