he Chargers close out the preseason tonight against the San Francisco 49ers, and while most eyes will be on who survives the cutdown to 53, there are still plenty of questions to be answered on the field. Here are the biggest storylines we’ll be tracking:
1. The Running Back Situation
The team still hasn’t added a veteran back to replace the workhorse mold left behind with Najee Harris sidelined. Brian Robinson Jr. seemed like a logical Joe Hortiz target, but instead the 49ers swung a deal with Washington for a 2026 sixth-rounder and Robinson will be lining up across the field tonight. That leaves the door open for several questions: Is Harris closer to returning than expected? Do the Chargers believe Rocket Sanders can shoulder the load? Or are they waiting for the post-cuts market to bring in help?
2. Sorting Out the DB Room
Few position groups have been more intriguing this summer. With so much versatility at safety, could the Chargers trim the cornerback room down to five? Benjamin St-Juste has struggled, and UDFA corners Nikko Reed and Eric Rogers have shown flashes. Rogers looks like a likely IR stash, but this game could be Reed’s chance to lock up a roster spot.
3. Josh Kaltenberger’s Last Push
Early in camp, Josh Kaltenberger drew buzz as a potential riser on the interior offensive line. That talk has cooled, but he’s still outperformed other depth candidates. Is there a path for him to sneak onto the 53 as IOL depth, or will he be a priority practice squad stash?
4. Mekhi Becton’s Debut
Mekhi Becton returned to practice this week, and all eyes will be on whether he finally takes game reps. His ability to settle into this line—whether at guard or tackle—could be a critical piece of the Chargers’ trench plans.
5. Center Competition
Will Zion Johnson get one last extended run at center, or does Andre James still have a legitimate shot at stealing the starting job? Tonight could be the final look before the staff commits.
6. Quarterback Battle
Has Trey Lance done enough to secure QB2 behind Justin Herbert? If so, this may be less of a competition and more of a live audition for Taylor Heinicke to showcase himself to other teams.
7. Junior Colson’s Opportunity
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter insists Junior Colson is improving every week. But at some point, that has to show up under the lights. Can Colson finally flash in a way that locks him onto the roster, or is he drifting toward the bubble?
⚡ Kickoff is coming up soon. Use this thread to follow along live, share your takes, and track who makes their final case for the 53.
Sounds like TO’s lost the game. What, a pick 6 from DJU and a fumble by Hines? And Grimm with a rough night on ST?
Sorry to ask about any recap but I’m not in viewing range of games. Currently on the Mississippi in Lansing IA.
Biggest thing was OLine ineptitude. That made Lance, Heinicke, Miller-Hines, Sanders all look so-so. I don’t think any single player changed the FOs mind over the course of what was an agonizingly long game. Maybe Marlowe Wax. That dude had a great game, but it’s hard to imagine the team keeping six ILBs.
I guess, in all, we didn’t learn much from that game. We’ll see what happens on Tuesday.
Looked up Lansing Iowa. Looks really nice. Small, pastoral. I hope you’re having a blast.
Quaint little town in a beautiful and geologically unique area. Have friends nearby on the WI side.
This game won’t end.
And DJ with a pick 6. Ah well.
Ah, great. There goes Branson Taylor. He gets up on his own, but now OL8 is hurt.
Damn. This DJ to Dalevon connection is solid. But the more Fouts tries to pronounce Uiagalelei, the further he gets from it.
Wax wants to make the team. I hope they can find a place for him. Uiagalelei with a nice strike to Gadsden for the TD. There is a small chance he qb2 in the next year or two.
Heinicke looks bad. Lance was only ok. Sanders had a nice run. Tough to gauge this offense with such sub-par line play. Defense looks ok as a unit, but that may be because the 49ers scrubs look pretty shabby.
DLine looks good. OLine looks like doo-doo. Miller-Hines wants to be on the team. As does Nikko Reed. I hope they call this game at half.
Caldwell looks like a grand slam, brother. He’s an absolute wrecking ball
I think he’s going to be an all-timer. That dude looks seriously good.
Ah, great. The eighth punt of the first quarter gets tumpted by Luke Grimm. And Mickens has a bum right leg. Shit.
Great, great return for Miller-Hines. That’s gonna stick with the coaches. That had vision and attitude.
I know he’s getting second-team play, but you can’t be upset with his results.
3rd and 3 and the O-line took the play off. Not a great look with so many open spots to be claimed. Didn’t catch the numbers of the guys who missed blocks.
Offensive line definitely isn’t a strength 🤣 Brutal.
Reed is really making a strong case for himself. I hope he gets on the 53.
Ok, so I can get video through Chargers.com, but that means I’ve got to listen to Eagle/Fouts. I’d rather listen to DJ and Money but blackout restrictions means I can’t get them on my phone. First world problems are real. Bolt up!
I’ll likely listen to this one because it’s football, but I’m not sure what I’ll get from it outside of the delightful banter between DJ and Money. My guess is that Harbaugh & Co. have the 53 pretty much dialed in at this point. I can’t imagine what it would take to elevate or regulate in the upcoming 60 minutes. I mean, if Tre’mon Morris-Brash gets eight sacks tonight, does that move him above Edge6?
Football is always better than no football. Let’s keep it safe and have a good show.
Predictions using your numbers:
1. RBs
2. DBs
3. Kaltenberger
4. Becton
5. Center
6. Backup QBs
7. Colson
I don’t think there is really much drama at all in your items 3-7. But you missed one.
Kennard has been a disappointment, while Morris-Brash and Murphy have impressed. I can’t see Kennard getting waived, and it seems like it would be very hard for the Chargers to keep 5 Edge players on the final roster. Could the team find a reason to put Kennard on IR? Could they consider him as part of a trade before the cutdown deadline? He could help his cause with a good performance today. I have no reason to believe he won’t play, but, if he doesn’t, one of those scenarios is probably in play.