Rashan Slater's injury leaves a gaping void in Los Angeles' front, yet optimism remains for 2025 as Mekhi Beckton steps in alongside Zion Johnson's center versatility. Herbert's surroundings improve with a deeper skill pool and a reinforced defense, keeping the Chargers squarely in the playoff hunt. A realistic path to double-digit wins hinges on beating top teams and maximizing depth across both lines while navigating a tougher schedule.

Key questions loom: can the run game regain efficiency with Hampton and Harris, and will the cornerback mix hold up behind Derwin James and Elijah Molden? The coaching emphasis on depth, smart acquisitions, and a balanced attack keeps the Chargers in the conversation through December, with Herbert carrying the offense when needed.

Mekhi Becton’s return to Chargers practice injects needed pop into an offensive line that has been banged up and short on reliable depth. Alt at left and Becton anchoring the right side could unlock Herbert’s play-action and the run game, especially with Slater’s timeline still unclear. The unit remains a work in progress, with Jamari Sawyer sliding between tackle and guard and Branson Taylor toggling positions, underscoring a thin depth chart that could push the front office to add interior help via waivers or a free-agent addition like Risner.

The quarterback hierarchy remains unsettled, with Taylor Heinicke’s status fueling trade speculations and Trey Lance’s name surfacing as a potential match for Greg Roman’s system. If Lance lands in LAC, the offense could gain a mobile chess piece who fits the scheme, altering QB2 dynamics and Herbert’s rushing expectations. Meanwhile, Chris Jones looms as a premier interior rusher for Week 1, pressuring the interior blockers and testing the line’s ability to sustain blocks and create yards after contact. Keenan Allen and Quinton Johnston flashed in camp, signaling a dangerous duo for the air game, while Herbert’s leadership remains a constant booster for confidence and timing.

Justin Herbert surged in practice after Rashawn Slater’s injury, showing leadership by example and signaling the Chargers remain dangerous even with their ace left tackle sidelined. In camp drills he ripped through 11 on 11 and red-zone periods, completing eight passes in seven-on-seven and delivering multiple third-down conversions to Keenan Allen and Lad McConkey. The message: Herbert is elevating the supporting cast, covering for the injury with poise and a higher gear that fantasy managers should watch closely as the season nears.

Khalil Mack’s return has amplified the Chargers’ mood and potential blue-collar creep to the pass rush, with reports of four sacks and bat-downs in padded practice. That pressure could free Derwin James to roam as a blitzer and lift the entire defense, while Allen’s return rekindles the Herbert-Allen chemistry that makes the offense tick. Omarion Hampton’s ramp-up and a possible Naji Harris rotation keep the backfield dynamic, which could create weekly upside for several Chargers options and keep defenses honest. Tarheep Still and Lad McConkey continue to push for role clarity, hinting at a deeper, more versatile pass-catching corps as the offense grows into its ceiling.

The latest episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast, with hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright, delves into the most significant preseason takeaways and mock draft strategies. Early performances from potential fantasy stars like Jamar Chase and Jalen Milroe have set the tone, while injuries to key players, including Anthony Richardson and Rashawn Slater, have raised concerns for fantasy managers. The hosts dissect implications on the Seahawks' quarterback situation, emphasizing the potential of Milroe as a future starter and Dynasty asset.

As the mock draft unfolds, discussions arise around top rookies and veterans, revealing sentiments toward players like Bijan Robinson, Jameer Gibbs, and Tyreek Hill, whose injury status has affected his draft stock. The hosts also evaluate positional depth and the volatility surrounding running backs and wide receivers, providing insights into optimal drafting strategies in the current landscape.