Key Position Battle to Watch at Chargers’ Training Camp

NFL teams have completed their organized team activities and minicamps. After a brief break, they will resume activities with the start of training camps in late July.

The preseason begins with the Carolina Panthers facing the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game on August 6. Scheduled to air on NBC, this kicks off the week of games from August 13-15, followed by the second week from August 20-23, and the third week from August 27-29.

Before these preseason games, teams must report for training camp. While the Los Angeles Chargers have yet to announce their camp reporting date, one significant aspect to monitor is their position battle for left guard.

Position Battle: Left Guard

The Chargers need to fill a vital spot in their offensive line due to the departure of Zion Johnson. Johnson, selected in the first round of the 2022 draft, played 1,130 offensive snaps last season and allowed 29 pressures, 17 hurries, and five sacks. To fill his position, the Chargers have several options: experienced veterans Trevor Penning and Kayode Awosika, along with a promising rookie, Jake Slaughter.

Trevor Penning, at 27 years old, is the frontrunner. With 33 NFL starts, he has versatile experience on the offensive line, playing 1,081 snaps at right tackle, 511 at left tackle, 358 at left guard, and 90 at right guard.

Despite Penning’s extensive starting experience, Kayode Awosika has more experience at the guard position in the NFL. Over five seasons, Awosika has accumulated 615 snaps at left guard and 358 at right guard with stints at the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.

Jake Slaughter is a new addition to the team, chosen in the second round of the 2026 draft as part of a strategic focus on strengthening the offensive line. Though primarily a center with 2,142 snaps in college, the Chargers are exploring his potential at guard. While Slaughter is initially third in line, his development may earn him playing time during his rookie year.

This battle will be critical for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.