Summer vacation is over for the Chargers, who regroup at Jack Hammett Sports Complex this week for the beginning of training camp.
Los Angeles enters with a lot of anticipation on their side, as they possess one of the most talented and balanced rosters in the league. Nonetheless, there is still some uncertainty and questions that need to be answered.
With that, here are eight of the most important questions going into training camp.
How will Chargers respond to Melvin Gordon’s absence?
By no surprise, Gordon informed the Chargers that he will not report to camp since he doesn’t have a new contract.
With Gordon continuing to train in Florida, Los Angeles will move forward with Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson as their lead backs. The team managed to go 4-0 in Gordon’s absence in 2018, but there’s no denying that the former Wisconsin product adds a dynamic component to the offense.
With many used to Gordon taking the majority of the snaps, it’ll be interesting to see how they utilize Ekeler and Jackson. Ekeler got the majority of the snaps last year in Gordon’s absence, but Jackson could end up taking over while Ekeler continues to work in a third-down focused role.
How long will Russell Okung be out?
Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung wasn’t a participant in OTAs this spring but we now know he will start training camp on the non-football illness list.
With Okung’s absence, right tackle Sam Tevi switched sides and second-year, undrafted free agent Trent Scott moved into Tevi’s spot. Los Angeles is likely to stick with that alignment this summer unless rookie Trey Pipkins stands out enough to play with the first-team.
Okung, scheduled to make $13 million this season, is the third-highest-paid player in annual average salary. His absence would greatly impact the offensive line as a whole if it’s long-term.
How will the offensive line shape up?
One of the Chargers biggest problems last season came on the offensive line, where they struggled to find consistency. General manager Tom Telesco elected to hardly make any moves this offseason and will roll with the majority of the guys from 2018.
One of the only changes should come on the inside, where former second-round selection Forrest Lamp looks to earn a starting spot over Dan Feeney or Michael Schofield. If Lamp is able to show he is at full heath and get back to how he was prior to his injury, then we could be looking at him as the starting left or right guard Week 1.
Even though Los Angeles had problems at the right tackle position in 2018 with Tevi starting, it appears that the coaching staff is going to let him try to redeem himself in his third season. Trey Pipkins might be a bright spot, and could debunk the label as a developmental player, garnering starting potential.
Which receiver is ready to take the next step?
The Chargers lost their No. 3 wide receiver Tyrell Williams to the Raiders this offseason. The team has Keenan Allen and Mike Williams as the No. 1 and 2 options secured, but beyond that is completely wide open.
Travis Benjamin is likely the frontrunner for the No. 3 spot. Benjamin is back on a one-year deal even though his season in 2018 was underwhelming, finishing with 12 receptions for 186 yards. The coaching staff has valued him for quite sometime and he has some experience in the role.
But all eyes will be on the other guys that will be fighting for the final spots. 2018 sixth-round selection Dylan Cantrell, Artavis Scott and Geremy Davis are the three notables who will be expected to show out and prove their worth.
Who will win the No. 2 cornerback spot?
The Chargers possess two of the best cornerbacks in the league with Casey Hayward and Desmond King, but the job opposite of Hayward will be one of the most heated battles going into training camp between Trevor Williams and Michael Davis.
Williams entered the 2018 season with high expectations after his phenomenal campaign a year prior. Unfortunately, an ankle injury cost him the preseason and carried into December, at which point he was placed on the reserve/injured list.
Davis took over as his replacement and finished seventh on the team in total tackles. He was a key contributor down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Who will be the starting free safety?
The Chargers decided to part ways with Jahleel Addae this offseason, leaving an open spot at free safety.
It’ll be a stiff competition between three candidates: Rayshawn Jenkins, Nasir Adderley and Jaylen Watkins.
Jenkins likely enters training camp as the penciled in starter. He started both playoff games last season and played very well. Adderley was drafted in the second-round of the 2019 NFL draft. His skillset that includes range, speed and his knack for the ball will push Jenkins.
Los Angeles also re-signed Watkins after he missed last season because of a knee injury. Watkins was going to be the team’s starting free safety in 2018 after a stellar summer but the injury pushed him out of the job.
Will TE Antonio Gates return for his 17th season?
After being released last May just ahead of his 38th birthday, Gates was brought back on a one-year deal to serve as insurance for Hunter Henry, who suffered a season-ending injury.
Despite the age, Gates managed to play a key role, finishing the regular season with 28 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns.
The idea of having the veteran tight end back for one more year is enticing and one that could certainly happen. Outside of Henry, the rest of the depth chart doesn’t offer much in terms of pass-catching options.
Gates isn’t the player he once was but he can be called upon as a red zone and third-down target. The front office and coaching staff most likely have the thought of bringing him back for his 17th season if they feel they don’t have any viable options.
Can the team stay healthy?
Training camp is when notable injuries begin to occur all around the league and the Chargers haven’t had the best luck of maintaining full health. Plenty of key players ended last season with injury questions, including their three starting linebackers, tight end Hunter Henry and cornerback Trevor Williams.
They’re all healthy now, but one of the important things to watch for is how they’re moving and if everything is in sync. The majority of football players are able to fully recover from an injury, but sometimes it does indeed hinder their movement skills.
Making sure that the players are able to stay healthy all throughout will be critical. Los Angeles will have to avoid having too many long-term injuries and any injuries to starters if they wish to clinch the AFC West title and make a deep run in the playoffs.
