The Los Angeles Chargers held their second practice of Week 3 of 2026 training camp. Los Angeles is just two days away from their first preseason game against the Houston Texans and will have an off day for travel on Wednesday. The Chargers started their week on Monday with a light walkthrough but turned up the intensity on Tuesday with pads on.
Overall, the defense was dominant on Tuesday and several players fighting for roles flashed dominant plays. Several bubble players who are battling for roster spots also stood out heading into their first chance to prove themselves in live action. Let's dive into everything noteworthy from Tuesday's practice and press conferences.
Jul 30, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston (1) at training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Head coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned during his pre-practice press conference on Tuesday that aside from Rashawn Slater , two additional starting players are out of practice "working through something minor." Wide receiver Quentin Johnston and cornerback Tarheeb Still are both out of practice right now.
Rashawn Slater missed his fourth practice in a row and Harbaugh tried to avoid mentioning the specifics of what Slater was dealing with but Slater himself addressed the media and clarified the situation. It was apparent after he had missed his third practice in a row, that Slater had suffered a setback.
Slater did clarify that he felt something around his surgically repaired knee back at the first practice at the University of San Diego last Tuesday. The training staff is holding Slater back to make sure the discomfort he felt doesn't progress to something worse.
"We haven't seen anything that's really concerning. Obviously, it's not always the smoothest process coming back from a big injury," Slater said. "Nothing to be concerned about. Just being smart, being thoughtful with the way we progress.
The Chargers released their first unofficial depth chart following Sunday's practice to wrap u the second week of training camp. The depth chart is not made by the coaching staff and is made by the Chargers media team and PR staff and is therefore not truly indicative of where players stand. However, there were a handful of notable takeaways on the depth chart.
The unofficial depth chart had Tarheeb Still as the starter opposite veteran Donte Jackson or Cam Hart which was a bit of a surprise. Still was sidelined at practice and Jackson and Hart, who may be battling for a top role, put on a show. Jackson walked away with two interceptions on the day and Hart went toe to toe with Ladd McConkey showing off his physicality in press-man coverage.
Undrafted free agent edge rusher Nadame Tucker, who notably was the only UDFA not listed last in his position group on the unofficial depth chart, put on a show in one-on-ones against the offensive line. He even went straight through the chest of veteran offensive tackle Trey Pipkins , as he has been flashing his power.
Tucker is likely in a competition with Kyle Kennard for a role and potentially a roster spot. Meanwhile, Kennard had himself a day as well, showcasing an improved pass rush arsenal. The preseason games will be major for both players.
Defensive linemen Teair Tart , Jamaree Caldwell and Justin Eboigbe continue to be wrecking balls in the middle of the defensive line. Caldwell and Eboigbe both seem to be poised for and embracing the opportunity for larger roles heading into the season.
Wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith has stacked together multiple good practices and had a very good winning route in one-on-ones on Tuesday. Wide receiver Tre Harris channeled his inner Mike Williams with a phenomenal adjustment on a back-shoulder throw with Donte Jackson glued to him in coverage to haul in a spectacular catch.
Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu (45) reacts after a sack against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu has appeared to have fully ended his hold-in and returned to full activities with the team. He spoke to the media for the first time since camp began after practice. Both he and coach Harbaugh danced around the wording of what was going on behind the scenes with the negotiations.
Tuipulotu clearly stated in regards to his contract heading into the final year of his rookie deal, "I'll let my agents and the guys upstairs handle that," Tuipulotu said. "Let the business handle business. I'm a football player. That's all I do. That's all I know."
This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/chargers/onsi as Injury Updates, 1 on 1 Battles and Highlights From Chargers' Last Pregame Practice .
