The Chargers reconstructed their coaching staff and roster this offseason. Now, it's time to take the field.
With five days until the Bolts’ first game of the 2026 regular season, they released their unofficial depth chart going into Week 1.
Here are three quick takeaways:
Oronde Gadsden II slides down the depth chart
At tight end, newly signed Charlie Kolar and David Njoku make up the starters, with Oronde Gadsden II listed as the third player at the position on the depth chart. As a rookie in 2025, the Syracuse product exploded onto the scene, catching 49 passes for 664 yards and three touchdowns. He rapidly became a trust target for quarterback Justin Herbert. The explanation for Gadsden’s spot on the depth chart isn't a lack of talent, but rather a scheme adjustment as blocking is non-negotiable
in Mike McDaniel's offense, which is an area where Kolar and Njoku have a leg up over Gadsden.
Del'Shawn Phillips starting with Denzel Perryman on IR
Denzel Perryman was placed on injured reserve, which broke open a vacancy at the starting linebacker spot alongside Daiyan Henley, which appears to be going to Phillips over Troy Dye and Marlowe Wax. In his first season with the Bolts, Phillips set a franchise single-season record with 24 special teams tackles, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors. It earned him a two-year, $7.5 million extension with the Chargers. While he has played primarily on special teams throughout his seven-year career, Phillips proved his capability on defense late last season while filling in. He finished with a career-high 37 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery.
Starter at left guard remains undetermined
The left guard designation listed a two-way tie: Kayode Awosika OR Trey Pipkins III. Rather than naming a definitive starter, the coaching staff is leaning toward a rotation. Head coach Jim Harbaugh said rookie Travis Burke’s emergence as a swing tackle has made it possible that they play both Pipkins and Awosika. Harbaugh hinted at this unique approach, calling it "platooning" guards and "playing the hot hand."
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers release first unofficial depth chart: 3 takeaways from unveil
