Injury waves have Buffeted the Chargers in training camp, forcing depth tests behind Herbert as Slater ends his season and Becton, McConkey, and Harris deal with varying paces of return. The Chargers are opting to sit veteran starters Sunday vs. New Orleans, giving rookies like Lambert-Smith and Reed extended runway. The rookie QB showdown between Heinicke and Lance shapes how the roster handles backfield reliability, while Pipkins III shifts to right tackle to anchor a reshuffled line. Special-teams and coverage have already made an impact, with Caleb Murphy forcing a fumble on opening kickoff and Nikko Reed flashing in coverage.

Lambert-Smith’s rise is a bright note, pairing with Herbert more consistently as practice tempo rises. Tre Pipkins III’ s transition to the right side, with Alt at left tackle, tests the unit’s flexibility and leadership, while the backup quarterback saga remains unsettled—Herbert’s trusted understudy battle between Heinicke and Lance will unfold across the preseason. The defense, admissions by Minter and the coaching staff, sees Murphy’s arrow pointing up amid competition from Kennard and Morris-Brash, and Reed’s playmaking continues to draw looks as the team weighs rotation depth behind returning corners Still, Hart, and Taylor, plus signings Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste.