RADIO
Brenen Thompson Making Noise With More Big Plays
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Brenen Thompson connected with Justin Herbert for another deep completion at Sunday's practice, according to Alex Insdorf. It's becoming a theme for the rookie. The Chargers had already highlighted a pair of long catches from Herbert early in camp, including a deep cross that went for a big gain. Thompson has the speed for that kind of work after running a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also led the SEC with 1,054 receiving yards at Mississippi State last season while averaging 18.5 yards per catch and scoring six touchdowns. Los Angeles currently lists Thompson behind Quentin Johnston on its unofficial depth chart, with Ladd McConkey and Johnston in the starting spots and Tre' Harris also pushing for work. There is still plenty of competition for targets, but Thompson keeps making himself difficult to ignore. His downfield chemistry with Herbert has been one of the more consistent stories of Chargers camp.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Tre' Harris Flashes With One-Handed Catch at Saturday's Practice
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris made one of the better plays of Saturday's practice, snagging a one-handed catch during team work. It would not have counted in a game, as the Chargers noted a false start and a Tuli Tuipulotu sack on the rep, but Harris still put his ball skills on display. The 2025 second-round pick had 30 catches for 324 yards and one touchdown as a rookie. His finish was more encouraging than the full-season line, with 187 receiving yards over the final six games. Mike McDaniel has liked what he's seen, saying this offseason that Harris has "a lot more juice" than he realized coming out of Ole Miss. A WR1 push is probably getting ahead of things. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston remain listed as the starters on the Chargers' current depth chart, with Harris behind McConkey. But Harris is making a real case for more work in Year 2, and Saturday's highlight only adds to that push in Justin Herbert's offense.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
The Game is Slowing Down for Keandre Lambert-Smith
As a rookie in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith was one of the buzzier names throughout training camp and the preseason. While he's had a quieter second camp amid significant offensive changes in Los Angeles, he once more shined in the team's first game of the preseason, racking up 58 yards on a team-leading four catches in Thursday's win over the Texans. On Saturday, he spoke with the media about how things have changed in his second season. "Mentally, things the outside can't see. Me and my mind, slowing the game down, understanding the offense better," Lambert-Smith said. "It's a new offense for everybody, but being in the playbook, understanding it, understanding defense more. Just slowing everything down." With his separation standing out in film review, head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Lambert-Smith as the team's most productive receiver, and if the 24-year-old can carve out a role in what projects to be a high-powered offense, he could eventually work his way into the streaming conversation as fantasy options inevitably thin later in the season.
Source: Omar Navarro
Source: Omar Navarro
Omarion Hampton's Redraft Value in Question Amid Workload Uncertainty
Los Ángeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton had his rookie season in 2025 disrupted by an ankle injury that caused him to miss eight games. Still, the former first-round pick was productive in his time on the field, recording 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 156 touches across nine contests. Entering 2026, expectations are high for both Hampton and the Chargers offense as a whole following the team's offseason acquisition of new play-caller Mike McDaniel. With his versatile skill set as both a rusher and a pass-catcher, Hampton has three-down workhorse upside. However, the Chargers signed running back Keaton Mitchell in free agency and also roster running back Kimani Vidal, who filled in admirably for Hampton at times in 2025. McDaniel has already said that the team plans on using all three backs once the regular season begins. Hampton has the highest ceiling of the Chargers' running back options, so he could quickly establish himself as too good to take off the field. At the same time, his redraft value for the 2026 season is trending slightly downwards until the playing time split in Los Angeles becomes more clear.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey Lance Has Roller-Coaster Performance in Preseason Opener
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 164 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception in his team's 27-7 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday. Lance also had three carries for 27 rushing yards. The 26-year-old was given the starting role for the Chargers' preseason opener, as the team decided to rest Justin Herbert and other key players. Lance had highs and lows during his six-drive performance by showing flashes of his athleticism and shaky ball security before handing the reins to DJ Uiagalelei to finish the game. The two are competing for the QB2 spot to be Herbert's backup for the 2026 season. Lance has the slight edge in the quarterback battle, and having familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system helps his case. However, Uiagalelei will be pushing him for the spot every week until the end of the preseason.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
David Njoku Hard to Trust in Crowded Tight End Room
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku landed with a much better quarterback this offseason, but the fantasy setup around him is a lot less comfortable. Njoku caught 33 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games for Cleveland last season, well below the 81-882-6 line he posted in 2023. Justin Herbert gives him a chance to rebound, especially near the goal line, where 26 of Njoku's 34 career touchdowns have come. The problem is finding enough work between the 20s. Oronde Gadsden II is coming off a 49-catch, 664-yard rookie season, Charlie Kolar was added in free agency, and the Chargers' first unofficial depth chart lists all three with an OR designation at tight end. Njoku has flashed in the red zone during camp, but there still isn't much separation in this group. RotoBaller has him at TE33 in half-PPR. The quarterback upgrade is real, but without a clearer route and target advantage, Njoku looks more like a touchdown-dependent TE3 than someone to trust in standard redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brenen Thompson Garners Six Targets in NFL Debut
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Brenen Thompson had two catches for 30 yards on six targets in Thursday's preseason 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans. Thompson was tied for the most targets last night (6) with wideout Keandre Lambert-Smith. The 23-year-old rookie immediately showed his ability to be a deep threat in the Chargers' offense with his average of 15 yards per catch. Thompson has had a strong training camp up to this point, and he could find his way into a consistent rotational role for the regular season if he continues to stand out. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel made a heavy push for the team to draft him, so it will be worth managers keeping notes on him as the preseason goes on.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Oronde Gadsden Gets Limited Action in Preseason Opener
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden had two catches for 21 yards on three targets in Thursday's 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans in their preseason opener. Gadsden's lone drop came in the end zone when officials ruled him out of bounds before he completed the catch. The 23-year-old played three offensive drives during the game, but more importantly, he was the only tight end in the potential rotation to play. David Njoku and Charlie Kolar were both held out of the game as the Chargers opted to rest most of their key starters and veterans. This could be the first sign of how the team values the tight end group and how they plan to utilize each of them this season. It will be worth keeping tabs on how much each tight end in that three-man rotation plays during the preseason.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kimani Vidal Starts Chargers' Preseason Opener
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal started Thursday's preseason opener against the Houston Texans, but his night was brief. Vidal carried five times for eight yards and did not catch his only target before the Chargers moved on to the rest of the backfield. Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell did not play. That difference is worth noting after Los Angeles spent much of camp talking up all three backs. The Chargers' current depth chart now has Mitchell second behind Hampton, with Vidal listed on the third line alongside Amar Johnson. Vidal proved last season that he can handle a bigger workload when needed, rushing for 643 yards and three touchdowns on 155 carries while making 10 starts. Mike McDaniel has also said he plans to use Hampton, Mitchell and Vidal during the regular season. Vidal should still have a role, but Thursday's usage was another sign that he may be entering the year behind Mitchell in the pecking order.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Keaton Mitchell's Preseason Absence Hints at Prominent Role?
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell did not play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Houston Texans, joining Omarion Hampton, Justin Herbert and several other established starters on the sideline. That could be another clue that Mitchell has a real role waiting for him in Mike McDaniel's offense. The Chargers' current depth chart lists the 24-year-old second behind Hampton, and McDaniel has already said he plans to use all three of his top backs during the regular season. Mitchell gives the group something different with his speed. He averaged 5.8 yards per carry on 59 attempts for Baltimore last season and has averaged 6.3 yards per rush for his career. Nothing about sitting out one preseason game guarantees a major workload, but the Chargers apparently didn't need to see Mitchell in game action while evaluating the rest of the backfield. For a player who has never topped 59 carries in a season, that's an encouraging sign that his workload could grow in Los Angeles.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike McDaniel to Ride the Hot Hand With Chargers' Backfield?
When asked to give more clarity on the division of touches in his backfield going into the 2026 season between running backs Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel told Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue that "if a player is playing really well, I'm not going to take them out." McDaniel also said earlier this week that he plans to "use all three" of Hampton, Mitchell, and Vidal every week. The Chargers will no doubt have different game plans from week to week based on their opponent, but when all is said and done, Hampton, a first-rounder in 2025, should lead this backfield in opportunities. The North Carolina product only played in nine regular-season games a year ago due to injuries, and he finished with 545 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 124 carries, adding 32 receptions for 192 yards and another score. Still, the presence of both Mitchell and Vidal will give fantasy managers pause if they have the chance to select the 23-year-old Hampton in the early rounds. Ideally, fantasy managers can get Hampton as a high-end RB2.
Source: NFL Daily Podcast - Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue
Source: NFL Daily Podcast - Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue
Charlie Kolar a Player on the Rise
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar was one of the first players the team added in free agency, and while his biggest strength has always come as a blocker, he has a chance to thrive in a Mike McDaniel offense projected to see a lot of multiple-tight-end sets. NFL Daily Podcast's Gregg Rosenthal visited Chargers camp on Wednesday and made note of Kolar's heavy usage, adding that the team's unique personnel allows McDaniel to run just about anything he can think of. Kolar was listed as a co-starter on the team's first unofficial depth chart, along with David Njoku and Oronde Gadsden, and it should come as no surprise if all three regularly find the field at the same time and contribute in the passing game, creating a fantasy floor for all, but a much murkier upside case. Kolar is not a player who needs to be drafted in 2026 lineup leagues, but could at least warrant a late-round dart throw in deeper best ball formats.
Source: Gregg Rosenthal
Source: Gregg Rosenthal
Ladd McConkey's Bounce-Back Case Is Getting Stronger
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey had a weird second season. After 82 catches, 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, he slipped to 66-789-6 in 2025 and never caught more than four passes in any of his final eight games. There is a pretty good reason to buy back in now. McConkey is full go after dealing with a hamstring strain during the offseason, and Mike McDaniel's offense looks like a much cleaner fit for him. The Chargers have been stressing quicker throws, motion and getting the ball into space, which should give McConkey chances to do what he does best. Justin Herbert has kept connecting with him in camp, including a long completion during Tuesday's one-on-one work. The room is not empty. Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris are both involved, and Los Angeles also has a deep tight end group with Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku and Charlie Kolar. That makes a huge target jump tough to assume. But McConkey is healthy, the scheme suits him, and RotoBaller has him at WR17 in half-PPR. After last year's letdown, there is a pretty believable path back to WR2 production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Quentin Johnston Has Room to Grow Beyond the Big Plays
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has scored eight touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, but offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel may give him more ways to produce in 2026. Johnston caught 51 of 84 targets for 735 yards in 14 games last year, and Los Angeles picked up his fifth-year option this spring. He has spent much of his NFL career doing damage downfield and around the end zone. McDaniel's offense could bring back another part of his game. Johnston has talked about getting more chances to create after the catch, something he did extremely well at TCU, and the early work with Justin Herbert has been encouraging. Ladd McConkey remains the safest bet to lead this receiving corps, while Tre' Harris and a deeper tight end room will keep Johnston from simply inheriting a huge target total. His 96.3 ADP reflects that uncertainty, with RotoBaller ranking him WR44 in half-PPR. Johnston doesn't need another eight touchdowns to pay off if McDaniel can get the ball into his hands in a few more ways.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cameron Dicker an Elite Option at Kicker in 2026
Los Angeles Chargers place kicker Cameron Dicker enters the 2026 season as an elite option at the position. Dicker converted 38 of 41 field goal attempts in 2025 and added 34 extra points. He finished as the fourth-best kicker in fantasy last season and could build on that as the offense is set to improve under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Chargers ranked 20th in 2025, down from 11th in 2024, when Dicker ranked third among kickers. With their offensive line revamped and healthy, and quarterback Justin Herbert eyeing a big season, the offense should move up and down the field, which is good news for "Dicker the Kicker." There's no doubt he is among the elite at the position and should be off the board with the best of the kickers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
