The 2026 NFL season is two weeks away, and the Chargers will look to get over the hump finally.
Los Angeles has revamped in a big way and has a legitimate chance at making a deep playoff run, something they have yet to experience in nearly two decades. Training camp gave us the first extended look at what this new-look team could become.
There was a lot to like throughout camp, but there were also several players and units that left much to be desired. With one preseason game remaining, some players strengthened their cases for roster spots and starting roles, while others have one final chance to make an impression.
Here are the biggest winners and losers from Chargers training camp.
Winners
QB Justin Herbert
Fully healthy and adapting rapidly, Herbert
is thriving under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. McDaniel publicly praised him for being "everything that I'd hoped and more," as Herbert has looked incredibly sharp, decisive, and comfortable utilizing new footwork and a shotgun-heavy stance.
WR Brenen Thompson
Lambert-Smith, the rookie fourth-round wideout, was the most explosive weapon of camp. Clocked at 4.26 speed, Thompson frequently got open deep, built immediate chemistry with Herbert, and successfully pushed himself into a spot to earn meaningful snaps this season.
WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Lambert-Smith played in 10 games, including two starts, with the Chargers in 2025, and so far in camp, he's proven his role could expand in 2026. The 24-year-old has been the best pass catcher in the preseason. Lambert-Smith has improved in every way, including generating separation and making plays downfield. Barring anything catastrophic, he will likely be one of the six receivers they will keep to start the season.
OL Jacob Spomer
Spomer went undrafted in 2026, and after two stellar preseason games, his spot is likely secured. The center from Fresno State has made himself hard to cut and may have earned the backup center spot. Thursday's game against the Rams will tell us a lot about how the Chargers view him. Tyler Biadasz's ACL injury has done Spomer some favors; however, he'll look to take full advantage.
CB Avery Smith
The undrafted cornerback out of Toledo has been one of the biggest standouts in camp. Smith has made a ton of splash plays in camp and preseason. The 22-year-old has made it very difficult for the Chargers to cut him.
CB Rodney Shelley
The same can be said for Shelley. Shelley, the other undrafted cornerback, has turned heads all camp long. Shelley was stellar last week, and if he can perform just as well or even better on Thursday against the Rams, he may make the team. Even if Shelley doesn't make the Chargers' roster, his strong training camp could lead to him landing on the practice squad.
Losers
Offensive line
The Chargers started training camp with yet another scary injury to Rashawn Slater, who missed all of 2025 with a torn patellar tendon in his knee. It didn't seem to be a big deal, and he was practicing as early as this past weekend. However, that came after the Chargers lost their center, Tyler Biadasz. Biadasz is out for the season with a torn ACL after signing a three-year deal with Los Angeles. On top of that, it's been an ongoing battle for the starting left guard spot. Kayode Awosika is the current front-runner for left guard, but nothing is set in stone just yet.
QB Trey Lance
It may be a stretch to put Lance in this category; however, he hasn't done himself any favors by being the QB2 in this year's camp. He's still in an intense battle with DJ Uiagalelei for the position behind Justin Herbert. A stellar performance in their third preseason game could help him secure the spot, but a poor one won't do him any favors.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers training camp 2026: Biggest winners and losers
