NFL Teams Prepare for Preseason with Upcoming Training Camps

NFL teams have concluded their organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps. After a brief hiatus, training camps will resume towards the end of July.

The preseason kicks off on Thursday, August 6 on NBC, featuring the Carolina Panthers against the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game. The first week of the preseason runs from August 13 to 15, followed by the second week on August 20 to 23, and the third from August 27 to 29.

Training Camp Preparations

Before the preseason starts, teams will report to their respective training camps. Though the Los Angeles Chargers haven’t announced their exact start date, they have a key position battle to monitor during the summer.

Position Battle: Left Guard

The departure of Zion Johnson has left the Chargers with a significant gap at left guard. Johnson was a first-round pick in 2022 and played 1,130 offensive snaps last year, allowing 29 pressures, 17 hurries, and five sacks. To fill this void, the Chargers have several contenders.

• Trevor Penning: At 27, he is the front-runner with 33 NFL starts. He has experience across the offensive line, including 358 snaps at left guard.
• Kayode Awosika: With more experience in the guard position, Awosika has 615 snaps at left guard over five seasons with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.
• Jake Slaughter: A second-round draft pick in 2026, Slaughter is a newcomer but shows promise. Though he played center in college, the Chargers are optimistic about his transition to guard.

Trevor Penning comes with the most starting experience, but Awosika boasts more guard-specific experience. Slaughter, although new to the league, could see playing time as the Chargers explore their options.