Our senior NFL reporter is on the road, covering the Los Angeles Chargers’ training camp. Here’s what we learned from our visit.

Quarterback Situation

Quarterback Justin Herbert was sidelined during practice, nursing a “plantar fascia injury” in his right foot. Although the Chargers claim he’ll be ready for Week 1, his absence raises concerns about the team’s backup plan. Easton Stick struggled during the practice we observed, leaving us wondering if the Chargers should consider signing a more reliable QB2.

Rookie to Watch Out For

First-round draft pick Joe Alt is making a seamless transition from college left tackle to NFL right tackle. We expect him to make an impact in his rookie year. Alt is part of a talented offensive line, and he’s learning valuable tips from left tackle Rashawn Slater on how to adjust his technique to counter power and speed rushes. Practicing against Khalil Mack and a healthy Joey Bosa will only accelerate his growth.

Fantasy Insight

Second-round draft pick Ladd McConkey may not have the typical build of a receiver, but the Chargers aren’t limiting him to the slot. They envision him playing both inside and outside. The main concern is his health, as he’s already sidelined in camp after limping from a catch in team drills. The Chargers are keeping the nature of his injury under wraps.

Keeping a Close Eye On

Four-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa’s health. The Chargers’ perennial Achilles heel is health, but Bosa is currently healthier than he’s been in three years. He has a chip on his shoulder after injuries cut short his last two seasons. If Bosa and outside linebacker Khalil Mack can finally complement each other, they could overpower opposing lines and provide a much-needed boost to the team.

Interesting Sight

During team drills, Chargers staff held up large yellow signs indicating the tempo and intensity of each rep. The signs, which resembled college-level signage, read “WHIZ TAG OFF” and “THUD NO TACKLE.” While they were effective in creating varying levels of practice intensity, it’s ironic that Harbaugh, who “stole” the tactic from his college experience, is using them.

Wild Card Player

Jim Harbaugh’s attention to detail is renowned, and it’s clear why he’s led teams to a Super Bowl and a national title. Players and coaches told us about a hyper-detailed leader who’s attuned to their body’s workload response and their minds’ installation absorption. From demonstrating QB footwork to RB angles to which shoulder a guard should head toward when pulling, Harbaugh’s level of detail is catching his team’s attention.