Official 2026 Chargers Roster Discussion | Roster Build | Free Agency

[OG619FrightninLightnin]

But was the run game nonexistent because of the lack of talent at RB, or because the run blocking was inconsistent for the most part? Seems that we fixed the talent level at RB, but did we fix our run blocking issues? I sure hope so, but it will be interesting to see.

If you don't mind running to the right every time we are golden!

[sonorajim]

Yes.

It will be an excellent brotherhood in that room.

BTW nowhere was Matlock mentioned.

He also has Schizo to deal with at FB.

Yes. They didn't talk about Matlock or several others. I think Matlock has to make the team as FB.

[Topcat]

It looks like Zion and Bozeman are the projected starters at LG and C. They're alternating each practice. https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/char...-training-camp.

Looks like Harbo is banking on our much improved ground game negating most of the IOL pass rush...helps to have Becton also...we'll see...

[wu-dai clan]

Yes. They didn't talk about Matlock or several others. I think Matlock has to make the team as FB.

Elston did mention Tito.
Even Hinton.

[Riverwalk]

But was the run game nonexistent because of the lack of talent at RB, or because the run blocking was inconsistent for the most part? Seems that we fixed the talent level at RB, but did we fix our run blocking issues? I sure hope so, but it will be interesting to see.

What run blocking issues?

JK Dobbins finished with 1058 yards despite playing in only 13 games. He still ranked in the top 10.

Dobbins backups were the problem with the rushing attack last year. The OL is fine as run blockers even if Zion and Bozeman are starters. Their liability is pass blocking.

[Chargers8491]

But was the run game nonexistent because of the lack of talent at RB, or because the run blocking was inconsistent for the most part? Seems that we fixed the talent level at RB, but did we fix our run blocking issues? I sure hope so, but it will be interesting to see.

RB talent/experience. JK never fully came back at 100% after he injured his knee and missed several games. He was fighting knee swelling after the injury. It was his surgical knee that he injured during the season. It's probably why the Chargers were in no hurry to resign him, and he hasn't been signed by other teams.

The talent and depth wasn't that great behind him. Guss was a huge disappointment and never really got going. I think his playing days are over. Haskins did ok but isn't a featured back. Vidal was a rookie and had some good snaps but was a huge liability in pass pro. He has a lot of work to do in pass pro if he is going to stick around.

This years RB room should be vastly better/improved than last year. The combo of Harris/Hampton will be a much better 1-2 punch than JK/Guss. Plus there isn't the injury history to worry about. Harris hasn't missed a game and Hampton will be a rookie on fresh legs. In conclusion, last year, no team fear the Chargers run game. This year the run game will be feared minus catastrophic events/injury, IMHO.

[Chargers8491]

What run blocking issues?

JK Dobbins finished with 1058 yards despite playing in only 13 games. He still ranked in the top 10.

Dobbins backups were the problem with the rushing attack last year. The OL is fine as run blockers even if Zion and Bozeman are starters. Their liability is pass blocking.

He racked up a quarter of those yards before he got injured. He wasn't the same after the injury and never was back at 100%.

[Maniaque 6]

Salyer was not good at RG. He was decent at LT (he got more help than many remember). Maybe he's a lefty, and just couldn't get on the right side of things - worth checking out imo. I agree with others that its Zion's to lose unless he displays a tenacious untapped proficiency for OC

That's why I would like to see him at LG !

[sonorajim]

Elston did mention Tito.
Even Hinton.

There was some name dropping. I missed the part where Elston discussed them.

[Boltjolt]

RB talent/experience. JK never fully came back at 100% after he injured his knee and missed several games. He was fighting knee swelling after the injury. It was his surgical knee that he injured during the season. It's probably why the Chargers were in no hurry to resign him, and he hasn't been signed by other teams.

The talent and depth wasn't that great behind him. Guss was a huge disappointment and never really got going. I think his playing days are over. Haskins did ok but isn't a featured back. Vidal was a rookie and had some good snaps but was a huge liability in pass pro. He has a lot of work to do in pass pro if he is going to stick around.

This years RB room should be vastly better/improved than last year. The combo of Harris/Hampton will be a much better 1-2 punch than JK/Guss. Plus there isn't the injury history to worry about. Harris hasn't missed a game and Hampton will be a rookie on fresh legs. In conclusion, last year, no team fear the Chargers run game. This year the run game will be feared minus catastrophic events/injury, IMHO.

He sprained his knee. I believe they said it was a MCL sprain which is a 4 to 6 week recovery. He came back I think in 4?

He was two years removed from his ACL tear and the sprain isn't a major injury. His last big injury was his Achilles so he should be 100% for this coming season.

Id love to have Dobbins back but agree, after him we had little last season.

If he signs elsewhere that's cool to as we get a comp pick and as long as it isn't with a division rival.
I was not a fan of signing Gus and said so before they signed him

[Chargers8491]

He sprained his knee. I believe they said it was a MCL sprain which is a 4 to 6 week recovery. He came back I think in 4?

He was two years removed from his ACL tear and the sprain isn't a major injury. His last big injury was his Achilles so he should be 100% for this coming season.

Id love to have Dobbins back but agree, after him we had little last season.

If he signs elsewhere that's cool to as we get a comp pick and as long as it isn't with a division rival.
I was not a fan of signing Gus and said so before they signed him

Overall, the MCL sprain by itself wouldn't be that bad but it was on the same knee he had surgery on, that's no bueno. IIRC, he was fighting swelling in that knee the rest of the time which affected the way he ran.

[Charge!]

He sprained his knee. I believe they said it was a MCL sprain which is a 4 to 6 week recovery. He came back I think in 4?

He was two years removed from his ACL tear and the sprain isn't a major injury. His last big injury was his Achilles so he should be 100% for this coming season.

Id love to have Dobbins back but agree, after him we had little last season.

If he signs elsewhere that's cool to as we get a comp pick and as long as it isn't with a division rival.
I was not a fan of signing Gus and said so before they signed him

I would agree, but how many RB's are we going to keep?...is it 3 + FB or 4 + FB?

1. Hampton
2. Harris
3. Sanders
4. Dobbins or Haskins?
5. Whichever FB wins the job?

This will be the biggest power RB group Chargers have had since Muncie and Pete Johnson.... lol