The Los Angeles Chargers just dropped their first unofficial depth chart for Week One against the Cardinals, and while there aren’t a ton of shockers, there’s definitely a few spots that got me raising an eyebrow. Right off the bat, the biggest head-scratcher has to be at left guard, where Kayode Awosika and Trey Pipkins are both listed as co-starters.
The Left Guard Battle Is Real
This co-starter tag for Awosika and Pipkins feels like a massive flashing light for the Chargers’ offensive line. Think about it, a “co-starter” often means no one has truly locked it down, right? The smart money is on Awosika getting the nod for Week One, but the word is he’s on a “short-ish leash” if he doesn’t perform. That’s a ton of pressure for an early season game, especially when protecting your quarterback. You want that O-line locked in from the jump. This isn’t just a friendly competition; it feels like a test right out of the gate for Awosika to prove he can handle the job, otherwise, Pipkins is right there waiting in the wings. This position is absolutely critical for setting the tone on offense, and a lack of clear dominance here could spell early season trouble.
Intriguing Spots on Both Sides of the Ball
Moving to the other side of the ball, Del’Shawn Phillips snagging a starting linebacker spot next to Daiyan Henley is definitely interesting. Denzel Perryman is on IR, which opened the door for Phillips, but it also sounds like he won’t be carrying the entire load himself. The plan is likely a rotation with Troy Dye and Marlowe Wax, who will also spell Henley when needed. So, Phillips is the “starter” but expect a committee approach there, which could be good for keeping guys fresh, but sometimes that rotation makes it tough to build consistent rhythm.
At tight end, Oronde Gadsden II is listed behind Charlie Kolar and David Njoku, which isn’t a huge surprise given how deep that position is for them. But don’t sleep on Gadsden! The expectation is the Chargers will run plenty of multi-TE sets this season, so he’s still gonna see a bunch of snaps. They’ve got talent there, and they’re gonna use it. Finally, Derius Davis is locked in as the return specialist, handling both punt returns, with Brenen Thompson as his backup, and kick returns, where Keaton Mitchell backs him up. Having a guy confident back there is always a plus, and Davis looks set to be a key special teams player.
So, as the Chargers gear up for their season opener against the Cardinals, these depth chart decisions are setting the stage. Keep a close eye on that left guard spot, because how Awosika performs early could define the O-line’s stability. And watching how Phillips, Dye, and Wax split those snaps at linebacker will be crucial for the defensive flow. It’s Week One, and every snap matters to set the tone for the season!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bolts from the Blue.
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