Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed that veteran offensive lineman Kayode Awosika is the leader in the ongoing battle for the starting left guard spot.
“Kayode Awosika is right there. He’s the leader right now,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh also added that rookie Jake Slaughter, who was once in the mix for the starting left guard spot, is now the starting center.
“Jake Slaughter is now starting center,” Harbaugh added.
The Chargers’ starting left guard spot has been the highlight of training camp. Before the injury to Tyler Biadasz, there were five offensive linemen up for the spot, including Slaughter, Trey Pipkins III, Trevor Penning, Brandon Taylor and Awosika.
With Slaughter now slated to start at center, Awosika appears to have the upper hand with just over three weeks until Week 1. Taylor, Penning and Pipkins remain in the mix for reps and offer veteran depth, but none have done enough to knock Awosika from the top spot.
Awosika is set to enter his first year in Los Angeles after spending time with the Eagles and the Lions.
The Chargers signed Awosika to a one-year, $2 million deal in late March 2026. Los Angeles pried him away from the Lions, where he had spent the last four seasons.
Awosika signed with the Eagles in 2021 after going undrafted out of Buffalo.
The 27-year-old has appeared in 50 games thus far in his career, along with only 11 starts.
In 2025, Awosika had an overall grade of 57.9 and played in 287 offensive snaps. He allowed 10 total pressures in pass protection, which included three sacks and one hit allowed to opposing pass rushers.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh reveals front-runner for starting left guard
Reporting by Ricardo Sandoval , Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ricardo Sandoval , Chargers Wire | USA TODAY Network
