Khalil Mack’s left elbow injury isn’t season-ending, and he returned to the Chargers’ sideline with a wrap after a first-quarter scare, finishing the game with a sack. The Chargers must navigate without him as Caleb Murphy stepped in, playing 31 snaps and delivering a QB hurry in Mack’s absence, a signal that Murphy could take on a larger role if the injury lingers.

As Mack’s situation tests the pass rush depth, Murphy’s expanded workload becomes a notable fantasy angle, and Mack’s 12.5 sacks against the Raiders since 2021 underlines the potential ceiling when he’s healthy. The Week 2 win also hints at how the defense could lean on its depth in upcoming matchups with Las Vegas.

Three Chargers preseason battles rise from the training camp grind as they face the Rams. Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith are vying for a lead role behind the veteran trio at receiver, with Harris flashing as a rookie second-rounder and Lambert-Smith delivering in the Hall of Fame Game. Their continued showings over the final two tune-ups will shape the 2025 target tree and fantasy upside behind the Chargers’ top options.

Tarheeb Still and others loom in the cornerback depth chart, as Eric Rogers and Nikko Reed press for a roster spot. The winner could carve out a sub-package role and even push for starting reps if injuries hit. On the edge, Caleb Murphy and Kyle Kennard are jockeying for the No. 4 outside linebacker slot, mixing pass rush with special teams and rotational play to keep the Chargers’ top rushers fresh.

Bottom line: these battles will tilt depth charts and fantasy value in late August, with the 2025 Chargers needing contributors outside their obvious stars. Expect sharp competition, rotational snaps, and surprise contributors as cuts approach.

Two early preseason wins for the Los Angeles Chargers underscored a stifling defensive performance, headlined by Eric Rogers’s first two pro interceptions, including a pick-six that electrified the crowd. Caleb Murphy piled up pressure with a pair of sacks, his breakout glimpse boosting his case for a roster spot. The defense limited New Orleans to 13 points as the Chargers built a 27-13 victory behind a mix of stingy coverage and timely plays.

Offensively, Trey Lance provided a spark with his legs and improvisation, finishing with 55 passing yards on limited attempts but adding 48 rushing yards and a quarterback‑running TD. Lance helped the Bolts generate consistent ground attack numbers (148 yards on 34 carries) with Raheim Sanders punching in a short TD and Lance guiding a fourth‑quarter march that iced the win. DJ Uiagalelei connected on a 49-yard strike to Dalevon Campbell, who finished with 62 receiving yards, while Shough and the Saints offered a brisk test but could not sustain drives against the Bolts’ defense.

Rising UDFA talent and a quick defensive turnaround highlighted the night, setting a tone for roster decisions as the Chargers prepare for their next preseason tilt. Fantasy angles lean heavily to the Chargers’ defensive depth and the dual-threat potential of Lance in the red zone, while Saints players showed resilience but need more consistent pass protection and ball security to unlock playmaking opportunities.