The 2023 NFL season is just a couple months away and that means Los Angeles Chargers training camp is right around the corner. After a disappointing end to the 2022 season, expectations are much higher heading into the summer in Southern California.
Los Angeles blew a huge lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs. Though, the team does return star quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers also found another weapon for him in that of rookie first-round pick, wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Defensively, EDGE guys Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack lead the charge as LA looks to unseat the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.
Here’s everything you need to know before Los Angeles Chargers training camp 2023.
Related: 2023 NFL schedule
Los Angeles Chargers training camp schedule 2023
The Chargers’ training camp begins on July 26 with a practice that’s open to the public. It concludes on August 18. Here’s the entire Chargers training camp schedule.
- July 26: 9-11 AM PST
- July 27: 9-11 AM PST
- July 28: No practice
- July 29: 9-11 AM PST (Back Together Weekend)
- July 30: No practice
- July 31: 9-11 AM PST
- August 1-3: No practice
- August 4-5: 9-11 AM PST
- August 6: 5-7 PM PST
- August 7-8: No practice
- August 9-10: 9-11 AM PST
- August 11-13: No practice
- August 14: 9-11 AM PST
- August 15-16: No practice
- August 17-18: Joint practice with Saints
- August 19: No practice
Related: 2023 NFL predictions
Chargers training camp open dates
In addition to the 12 open practices throughout Chargers training camp at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, the team will host fans at the Back Together Weekend on July 29. Meanwhile, the joint practices with the New Orleans Saints on Aug. 17 and 18 will be open to the public. Tickets for practices are free, but you need to pre-register here.
Los Angeles Chargers training camp storylines
Starting tight end job
Herbert likes to rely on tight ends in the passing game. Back in 2021, it was Donald Parham who broke out to an extent with three touchdowns on 27 targets. Gerald Everett took over the starting role last season, recording 58 receptions for 555 yards. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has 2021 third-round pick Tre’ McKitty still on the roster.
A lot will be made of Los Angeles’ wide receiver and running back groups. However, how the tight end position plays out under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore during Chargers training camp will be telling.
Kellen Moore’s new offense
Speaking of Moore, he comes over to Los Angeles after spending the past four seasons as the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator. Moore runs a hybrid west-coast offense, which should use Herbert’s accuracy and decision-making skills to the best of his ability.
How the Chargers’ offense performs will also depend heavily on Herbert’s ability to pick up the new offense. It’s something to watch during training camp and the preseason.
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Running back situation
After a drama-filled offseason surrounding Austin Ekeler and the Chargers, the running back returns to Southern California for what will likely be one last season. The question here is Ekeler’s consistency on the ground and the Chargers’ depth. Ekeler put up less than 50 yards in 11 of 17 regular season games in 2022.
Outside of that, Los Angeles boasts Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller and Larry Roundtree. It will be interesting to see how camp turns out and whether the Chargers add one of the many running backs available on the NFL free agent market.
3 players to watch during Chargers training camp
Quentin Johnston, wide receiver
The 21st pick in April’s NFL Draft, Johnston heads to camp battling with the likes of Jalen Guyton and Joshua Palmer to be the Chargers’ No. 3 wide receiver. It might not be a huge role with Mike Williams and Keenan Allen doing their thing. But we do know that Moore likes to utilize three-wide sets in his offense.
The 6-foot-4 receiver caught 60 passes for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns for Texas Christian last season. He could provide Herbert a big target in the red zone out of the gate.
Eric Kendricks, linebacker
Signed as a free agent after eight seasons with the Vikings, this former All-Pro is slated to start inside next to Kenneth Murray. The question here is whether Kendricks has much left in the tank. Last season with Minnesota, he yielded a 74.1% completion and 100.3 QB rating when targeted. It could be a troubling area for the Chargers in 2023.
Related: NFL defense rankings 2023
J.C. Jackson, cornerback
Signed to a whopping five-year, $82.5 million contract back in March of 2022, Jackson played just five games with the Chargers last season. He suffered an ugly-looking ruptured patellar tendon in Week 7 and missed the remainder of the campaign.
It looks as if Jackson will be brought along slowly as camp opens later in July. But his overall importance to the Chargers can’t be overstated. Veteran Michael Davis struggled last season. And there’s not much else opposite star youngster Asante Samuel Jr.