SAN DIEGO — The Los Angeles Chargers conducted their first padded practice of training camp Tuesday at the University of San Diego’s Torero Field.Quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense started fast in seven-on-seven. Safety Derwin James Jr. and the Chargers defense then regained the upper hand in 11-on-11, particularly at the line of scrimmage in run defense and pass rush.Let’s get into the details.Herbert carved up the Chargers secondary in the red-zone seven-on-seven period. He completed his first six passes and was pinpoint accurate when throwing over the middle of the field. He hit receiver Quentin Johnston on a dig route. He executed a timing throw to receiver Ladd McConkey over the middle. He went back to Johnston on an out route near the sideline. Then Herbert found McConkey for a 25-yard touchdown up the seam.
bangers only pic.twitter.com/mTBdZW1jrz
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 4, 2026Herbert had two reps later in the seven-on-seven period. He connected with Johnston on a 12-yard touchdown; he then converted a third down on a completion to tight end Oronde Gadsden near the right sideline. James was closing in on Gadsden, but Herbert fired a fastball to beat the coverage.The momentum of practice changed decisively when the Chargers transitioned into 11-on-11 and the offensive linemen and defensive line entered team drills.The first-team offense started against the first-team defense. On the opening play, James got home for a sack. On the second play, linebacker Denzel Perryman shot a gap and tagged off running back Omarion Hampton on an outside pitch. The Chargers defense then tallied two more sacks on the final two plays — one from defensive lineman Teair Tart and one from Perryman.For the next period of 11-on-11, the first-team offense faced the second-team defense, while the first-team defense faced the second-team offense.Hampton found some room on a pitch to the outside left on the first play of that series. Herbert also converted a third down on a completion over the middle to receiver Tre’ Harris. The offense, though faltered late in this series.
