The Chargers shifted into their final week of spring work on Tuesday. The team got together for the annual mandatory minicamp.
Even though they can’t put on full pads until training camp in late July, it’s a time for the coaching staff to get a feel for the new kids on the block and a way to gauge where some of the players stand in regards to the depth chart.
Here are three takeaways from Tuesday’s session:
Injury Updates
Prior to the start of mandatory minicamp, we mentioned how staying healthy would be one of the most important things for a team that has been hit with copious amounts of injuries in the past.
We knew that rookie free safety Nasir Adderley was dealing with an undisclosed injury, which drew some concerns. But it appears that the former Delaware product is doing well, as he was seen doing some work on the side. Coach Anthony Lynn said that they are taking it easy with him to ensure that he’s ready to go for training camp.
Arguably the biggest storyline was in regards to offensive tackle Russell Okung. Okung will not be participating in mandatory minicamp due to an undisclosed injury but there’s a chance that he could miss more time because of it. Lynn didn’t say what the injury was but when asked if it could be long-term, he said “we don’t know yet.”
Battle for No. 3
It’s still early, but every opportunity for the wide receivers that are fighting for the spots behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams matter. Two of the fan favorites, Artavis Scott and Dylan Cantrell, appear to have gotten back to where they were last year before getting hurt.
Geremy Davis and Andre Patton don’t get the recognition that they deserve, but they also made some plays in front of the coaching staff on Tuesday. Davis has yet to catch a pass in the regular season, but he has always shown out in preseason action. Patton, an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers in 2017, signed a reserve/future contract back in January.
Rookie Spotlight
Spring practices are a great time for rookies to prove their worth in front of the coaching staff, as they are fighting for a spot in the starting lineup or just on the 53-man roster.
Undrafted free agent safety Roderic Teamer appears to be making a statement early on with his two interceptions on the day.
The former Tulane product played in 46 games over four seasons, amassing 197 tackles, 15 passes defensed, three interceptions and three sacks. Teamer has special teams experience, posting two blocked kicks.
Fourth-round selection linebacker Drue Tranquill, who was standout at rookie minicamp, is already turning heads. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said that Tranquill is catching on to things quickly and it’s no surprise for a two-time captain with a high football IQ has experience at safety, outside linebacker and inside linebacker.
Given how the Chargers play the majority of the time in sub packages, there’s a strong chance that we can see Tranquill on the field this upcoming season. He’s an exciting player with a motor that is always running hot and he would boast a lot of energy on a defense that plays fast.
