2. Chargers shuffle up O-line
The Chargers opened practice with a reworked offensive line and later had to adjust even more up front.
With Mekhi Becton missing practice again and Bradley Bozeman getting a presumed vet day, the Bolts lined up, from left to right, with the combination of Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Andre James, Jamaree Salyer and Joe Alt.
The Bolts used that combination until roughly halfway through practice when Slater left practice and did not return.
The star left tackle, who signed a multi-year contract extension on July 27, was blocking in a team drill when he went down and had to leave the field on a cart. Teammates and coaches gathered around Slater before he left the field.
“Rashawn’s a great player. He’s an All-Pro caliber tackle. He’s great to go against in practice,” Minter said.
Tuli Tuipulotu added: “That’s just something you don’t want to see. Not only Rashawn, but any of our players, anybody getting carted off, anybody down. We don’t want them going into training room as if we aren’t behind them or by themselves. We’re supporting everybody and we wish him the best.”
The Bolts shuffled their offensive line after Slater left by moving Alt to left tackle and putting Trey Pipkins III in at right tackle.
Rookie offensive lineman Branson Taylor also left Thursday’s practice, as did running back Jaret Patterson. Cornerback Donte Jackson was also looked at by trainers at a play in a full-team drill.
3. Johnston, Still shine in 1-on-1s
The Chargers used the first part of practice for the aforementioned 1-on-1 drills between wide receivers and defensive backs.
Quentin Johnston looked sharp as he won both his reps against Jackson, getting a great release off the line of scrimmage both times.
Tarheeb Still also had a good day as he didn’t allow a reception on reps against Dalevon Campbell and Tre’ Harris. Deane Leonard also forced a pair of incompletions against Brenden Rice.
Cam Hart snagged an interception in the drill against KeAndre Lambert-Smith, while Harris caught a touchdown on Hart in the drill.
As for the cornerback rotation, Minter said the group is still sorting itself out with three preseason games left.
“I would say not really that close,” Minter said when asked about settling on a set group. “I think that there’s a bunch of guys doing some good things, there’s some inconsistencies there that we’re trying to weed out.
“I think we’re on track on where we want to be, but we’re still a ways away from pinpointing who’s where and what situations,” Minter added.
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