The Chargers released their first unofficial depth chart of the 2026 season. While coaching staffs frequently remind fans to take early PR-generated depth charts with a grain of salt, this layout highlights several intense training camp position battles, personnel choices, and notable rookie standings.
Here are the key takeaways from each position group following the team’s first depth chart release:
Quarterback
Justin Herbert firmly anchors the starting role. As no surprise, Trey Lance secures the direct backup QB2 spot over DJ Uiagalelei, setting expectations for how preseason game snaps will flow.
Running back
Omarion Hampton leads as the starting back. Behind him, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal are locked in a tight committee race for the primary RB2 role. Alec Ingold is the clear FB1, backed up by Scott Matlock. Matlock has also been getting reps at offensive tackle throughout camp.
Wide receiver
Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston are listed as the primary starters alongside Tre’ Harris. Camp standout Brenen Thompson, who is ahead of Derius Davis and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, is rapidly building momentum to push for meaningful reps by the regular season.
Tight end
The Chargers boast one of the league’s deepest tight end rooms. The depth chart explicitly notes “Charlie Kolar OR Oronde Gadsden OR David Njoku” as the starting option, meaning roles and usage could be entirely matchup-dependent.
Offensive line
While left tackle Rashawn Slater, center Tyler Biadasz, right guard Cole Strange, and right tackle Joe Alt are locked into their starting roles, the left guard position is still a logjam. The team listed Kayode Awosika, Jake Slaughter, and Branson Taylor as potential starters, and not included are Trevor Penning and Trey Pipkins III. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel noted that “no one has eliminated themselves from the tournament.”
Interior defensive line
Jamaree Caldwell, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Teair Tart are penciled in as the main structural starters for the base defense. Justin Eboigbe is expected to heavily rotate behind them after a breakout sophomore season and highly productive camp.
Edge rusher
Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu are named the definitive starters. An interesting minor surprise is undrafted free agent Nadame Tucker, who cracked the five-deep rotation behind Bud Dupree and ahead of Kyle Kennard, breaking the trend of UDFAs automatically being listed last. Tucker has been a summer standout up to this point.
Linebacker
Daiyan Henley and veteran Denzel Perryman claim the starting roles. Junior Colson is currently in the second tier, ahead of Marlowe Wax, who he will have to beat out for a roster spot.
Cornerback
While Tarheeb Still clinched a starting spot, the secondary features a highly contested battle at the other corner spot. Veteran Donte Jackson and Cam Hart are listed as co-starters with an “OR” designation.
Safety
Derwin James Jr. and Elijah Molden take the first-team safety designations. Tony Jefferson, R.J. Mickens and Genesis Smith are still competing for the third safety spot when James deploys into the Nickel role.
Special teams
Despite multiple players fielding kicks and punts, Derius Davis maintains complete control of the return game, listed as a starter for both kick and punt return duties heading into the preseason opener.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers unofficial depth chart: Takeaways for every position group
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire | USA TODAY Network
