The 2026 NFL training camps have kicked off around the league, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The Los Angeles Chargers camp is taking place at The Bolt in El Segundo, California, and Chargers reporter Kris Rhim has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and of course the quarterback room.
What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Chargers camp. We will update this file often. Who are the breakout players to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?
Dive in to all the updates and be sure to check back for more information until the first full week of the preseason begins Aug. 13.
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Latest from Chargers camp
Saturday, Aug. 1
Coach Jim Harbaugh declined to say whether outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu's absence from team drills at practice is contract-related, saying only the situation is being "handled internally" and repeatedly describing Tuipulotu as "ramping up."
Tuipulotu hasn't taken part in team drills amid contract negotiations since camp began this week, as he is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. He finished sixth in the NFL in sacks last season.
Without Tuipulotu again Saturday, rookie Akheem Mesidor flashed, looking explosive coming off of the edge throughout practice.
More observations from the day:
Saturday marked perhaps the highest-energy practice as the Chargers offense had its best day this week. Wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Derius Davis caught deep passes that energized the crowd at the Chargers facility.
Cornerback Donte Jackson was active in coverage with a couple of pass breakups, causing fans to cheer in reaction.
Friday, July 31
Friday's practice was at half-speed, walkthrough pace, but the most significant development came at left guard. Trey Pipkins III began with the first group blocking for quarterback Justin Herbert, the first time he's done so this week. Throughout camp and the offseason program, Kayode Awosika, Trevor Penning and rookie Jake Slaughter have rotated at left guard, with Awosika getting most of the reps with Herbert.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this offseason that the race for a starter at left guard would be between these four players. This is the first time that Pipkins has gotten reps with the top group.
Still, offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel cautioned against looking too much into the rep distribution, noting that the real evaluation will come with padded practices next week.
"It's much different when you have 300 pounds of mass on your edge," McDaniel said, "and a subtle 6-inch step determines whether or not you can actually execute that block."
Other observations:
Tuli Tuipulotu continued not to practice amid ongoing contract negotiations. He went through individual drills, worked off to the side with a trainer and watched practice.
Wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey said that McDaniel has changed the way they run routes, particularly by emphasizing how quickly they finish the top of a route and locate the football. "We weren't all the way used to running routes like that," Johnston said.
Thursday, July 30
Tuli Tuipulotu didn't practice for the second straight day amid ongoing contract negotiations, but he did more on the field work with teammates than on the opening day of camp. On Thursday, Tuipulotu wore a helmet and jersey and went through individual drills with the team before working off to the side with a trainer. On Wednesday, he was in a T-shirt and shorts and worked off to the side with a trainer.
"We miss him out there," defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary said. "We miss how vocal he is and the plays that he makes."
More observations:
It's difficult for lineman to truly have an impact without pads, but defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe made plays Thursday that drew praises from defensive line coach Mike Elston throughout the day. The Chargers are hopeful Eboigbe takes a step as a pass rusher in his third season.
Wide receivers Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Brenen Thompson were active in the passing offense and were quarterback Justin Herbert's favorite targets on Day 2.
Wednesday, July 29
Chargers outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu was the only player not to practice on Day 1 of training camp. The team has not officially disclosed the reason for his absence, but with extension talks ongoing, it appears to be contract related.
Safety Derwin James Jr., who held out of practice before signing his own extension in 2022, suggested Tuipulotu is in a similar situation.
"It's just the process of it, man," he said. "The team loves him. We love Tuli. I knew the team loved me too when I had the same similar situation, but sometimes that stuff takes longer to iron out."
Tuipulotu has established himself as one of the league's top young pass rushers over his first three seasons. His 13 sacks last season ranked sixth in the NFL, and he's in line for a significant extension. His representatives and the Chargers have discussed a new deal throughout the offseason, but no agreement has been reached. He is scheduled to earn $5.767 million this season.
More observations:
Quarterback Justin Herbert looked comfortable in his new shotgun stance implemented by offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, he was on target and had good timing with receivers throughout the day. Herbert seemed particularly impressed with rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson, who he connected with on a crossing route. "He's gonna be very good. We saw it early on that he was gonna be," Herbert said. "He's skilled. He's fast. He's gonna make a lot of plays for us."