The Los Angeles Chargers opened training camp at The Bolt in El Segundo, California, with team reporters on site providing daily updates, according to Chargers reporter Kris Rhim. The report said the file covering camp will be updated often through the start of the preseason the week of Aug. 13.
Outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu was the only Charger not to practice on Day 1. The team has not officially disclosed the reason for his absence, but Rhim reported it appears to be contract related as extension talks continue.
Safety Derwin James Jr., who held out of practice before signing an extension in 2022, likened Tuipulotu’s situation to his own. “It’s just the process of it, man,” James 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.”
Rhim noted Tuipulotu has emerged as one of the league’s top young pass rushers, recording 13 sacks last season, which ranked sixth in the NFL. The report said Tuipulotu is in line for a significant extension, that his representatives and the Chargers have discussed a new deal throughout the offseason but have not reached an agreement, and that he is scheduled to earn $5.767 million this season.
Quarterback Justin Herbert was described as looking comfortable in a new shotgun stance implemented by offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, with accurate throws and good timing with receivers. Rhim reported Herbert connected with rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson on a crossing route and praised the rookie: “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.”
