The Chargers have officially ended the offseason training program with the conclusion of mandatory minicamp Thursday.
Even though nothing is set in stone for Los Angeles following the spring workouts, there are still some storylines that occurred during organized team activities and minicamp.
Here are six takeaways from the Bolts’ spring workouts:
Russell Okung
Okung became the biggest storyline for the Chargers in an unexpected matter.
Coach Anthony Lynn announced that he wasn’t going to be participating in mandatory minicamp due to an undisclosed injury but when asked if the injury was long-term, he said that he “didn’t know”, which has some fearing that it could be serious.
It’s up in the air whether or not the veteran offensive tackle will be ready for training camp but it appears to be doubtful, according to ESPN’s Eric D. Williams.
There are several options that the team could go about replacing him if it is indeed a long-term injury, including signing a free agent. In the meantime, Sam Tevi played left tackle and Trent Scott was plugged in at right tackle. It is pretty worrisome with hardly any veteran depth on the roster.
Two rookie standouts
There are always rookies that standout in the early stages, eager to prove their worth. Despite not being able to see the highly anticipated defensive tackle Jerry Tillery and free safety Nasir Adderley due to injuries, two others got the most attention.
Safety Roderic Teamer and linebacker Drue Tranquill were the two that got the most buzz.
Teamer appeared to make his statement with three interceptions in two days of practices. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley acknowledged him for his efforts.
Tranquill, who was standout at rookie minicamp, popped off once again. Bradley said that Tranquill is grasping onto things quickly. For a player that was a two-time captain, has a high football IQ and has experience at safety, outside linebacker and inside linebacker, this comes as no surprise.
There’s a strong chance that we can see Tranquill on the field this upcoming season aside from strictly on special team if he continues to perform well during training camp and preseason.
Wide receiver competition is going to be a fun one
The majority of the starting spots have been filled for a team that didn’t have as much turnover this offseason compared to others. One positional group to keep an eye on is the wide receiver corps.
The top two spots have been established by Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, but the No. 3 and 4 roles will need to be filled by the time the season rolls around.
You can make the argument for Travis Benjamin to have solidified the third spot because he is coveted for his speed by the coaching staff but guys like Dylan Cantrell, Artavis Scott, Geremy Davis and even an undrafted free agent, could push Benjamin for his job.
All players mentioned, mades plays throughout the course of the practices and now they look to the next two months to help their cases to give quarterback Philip Rivers more weapons.
Melvin Gordon’s extension
Gordon reported to mandatory minicamp, exactly like he said he was after missing all of voluntary minicamp. The former Wisconsin product got his reps within the three days but the bigger question is his contract extension, as he’s nearing the end of his rookie deal.
Gordon did say that his representatives and the front office are in early talks of getting a deal done. But even though he is hopeful that a contract extension will be completed, he did not throw out the possibility of not playing in 2019 if no deal is complete prior to the start of the regular season.
“I don’t know, man. I’m just trying not to talk about it. If it’s going to happen, it’ll happen. When it does, I’m pretty sure you guys will know,” Gordon said.
It’s likely that a deal will happen, but it’s just a matter of how much and how long the team feels he is worth when projecting his long-term production and most importantly, his health as he’s dealt with a few knee injuries in his professional career.
Forrest Lamp is making strides
Everyone has been wondering what’s been up with 2017 second-round selection Forrest Lamp. Lamp, who was on his way to becoming the team’s starting right guard in his rookie season, got hit with an ACL injury which kept him out for all of that season along with 2018.
Lamp is now hoping that the third time is a charm to get back to where he was. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said that Lamp is progressing well. The team has been moving him at different spots on the offensive line and he is eager to see what he’s like when the pads come on.
It’s expected that he will be competing with Dan Feeney and Michael Schofield for one of the guard spots to start off, but he also has the ability to serve as an insurance at tackle if needed.
Don’t expect to see the real deal until September
Coach Anthony Lynn indicated that the starters will not see much of the field during the preseason.
Lynn said that he’s been taking note of Rams coach Sean McVay when it comes to his strategy during the preseason. McVay is notorious for resting his starters throughout the course of the four weeks, so that they will be completely healthy for Week 1 of the regular season.
For a team that has been hampered with injuries throughout the course of the past few seasons, Lynn appears to be taking the best approach possible to ensure this isn’t the case anymore by making sure they’re well rested, especially veteran quarterback Philip Rivers.
