NFL teams have completed their organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps. Following a break of nearly a month, they will resume action at the end of July with training camps.
The first preseason game is scheduled for Thursday, August 6. The Carolina Panthers will face the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game, broadcasted on NBC. The remainder of the preseason’s first week will occur between August 13 and 15, followed by the second week from August 20 to 23, and the third week from August 27 to 29.
Chargers’ Training Camp: Key Position Battle
Before the preseason begins, teams are required to report to training camp. The Los Angeles Chargers have yet to announce their exact reporting date. However, a significant area of focus this summer will be their position battle for left guard.
Position Battle: Left Guard
Trevor Penning vs. Kayode Awosika vs. Jake Slaughter
The Chargers face a challenge in filling the void left by Zion Johnson in their offensive line. Johnson, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 316 pounds, was a first-round pick in 2022. Last season, he logged 1,130 offensive snaps, allowing 29 pressures, 17 hurries, and five sacks.
To replace Johnson, the Chargers have two seasoned veterans and a rookie contender. Trevor Penning is considered the frontrunner due to his previous experience. At 27, Penning has made 33 NFL starts and has versatile experience across the offensive line. This includes 1,081 snaps at right tackle, 511 at left tackle, 358 at left guard, and 90 at right guard.
While Penning has more overall starting experience, Kayode Awosika possesses greater experience specifically in the guard position. Over his five seasons in the NFL, including four with the Detroit Lions and one with the Philadelphia Eagles, Awosika has played 615 snaps at left guard and 358 at right guard.
Jake Slaughter brings an element of unpredictability to the mix. Selected by the Chargers in the second round of the 2026 draft, Slaughter is one of the four offensive linemen chosen by the team. His college career was spent exclusively at center, accumulating 2,142 snaps. The Chargers are optimistic about his potential transition to guard. While Slaughter enters camp as the third option, his role may expand during the season, possibly seeing playing time as a rookie.