SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers returned to San Diego to practice for the first time since minicamp in 2017. Back then, Jim Harbaugh was still the head coach at the University of Michigan.
On Tuesday, he brought his new team to his old stomping grounds—the University of San Diego. Before practice, Harbaugh held a 30-minute press conference where he shared fond memories from when he took over as USD’s head coach in 2004.
“I had the little hairs on my arm were standing up,” Harbaugh said. “I'm thrilled to be here. This is, this is this is phenomenal.”
One of those memories involved a hill leading up from the practice fields—something Harbaugh turned into a conditioning tool. He used to make players run up the hill as a fourth-quarter finisher.
Each time, he’d ask who won the sprint. The answer was always the same: wide receiver Nick Garton. Harbaugh grew frustrated that no one could challenge him, so he decided to take matters into his own hands.
“By golly, can't anybody beat Nick Garton?” Harbaugh asked. “Nobody's even—there's not even a close second here. ‘Hey, if you guys can't do it, I'll do it. I'll show you how to do it.’”
After one practice, Harbaugh challenged the team—and Garton—to a race up the hill. But partway through, he had to stop and throw up. He still finished the race, but came in second to Garton.
“It’s not possible to beat this guy,” Harbaugh said. “This guy. He's like one of those prairie rabbits or something. When he runs, I understand. From here on, all we can do is just tip the hat to Nick Garton.”
Receivers Show Out
Since Mike Williams announced his abrupt retirement last Thursday, the question has shifted to who will step up in his absence. Early signs point to a team effort.
“It’s a really, really competitive room, really great room,” head coach Jim Harbaugh said. “We just keep chipping away at it, but we're going in the right direction.”
Rookie fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith had a strong showing on Tuesday afternoon. During one-on-ones, he was matched up against Deane Leonard. Quarterback Justin Herbert placed the ball near the sideline, and Lambert-Smith went up and snagged it while keeping both feet in bounds.
The play resembled something out of Brandon Lloyd’s highlight reel—a comparison offensive coordinator Greg Roman made last Saturday. Lambert-Smith continued to impress throughout practice, hauling in multiple catches that made him one of the day’s standouts.
we’re into that pic.twitter.com/Fyab1aUTVb
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 22, 2025
“He’s one of those guys you just gotta get him the ball,” Herbert said.
Third-year receiver Quentin Johnston also delivered another strong performance with two touchdown receptions. The first came during seven-on-seven drills when he broke inside and found space in the middle of the end zone. Herbert fired a pass only Johnston could reach, just out of the grasp of cornerback Cam Hart.
Ysa Garcia - The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers Wide Receiver Quentin Johnston #1 doing catching drills during training camp on July 22, 2025 in San Diego, CA.
A few plays later, Herbert snapped the ball at the five-yard line and executed a screen to Johnston, who strolled into the end zone untouched.
"He's just added so much to his game," Herbert said of Johnston. "He's just so talented and so gifted and he's worked incredibly hard and picked up everything. It's not just a deep threat or yards after catch. He's a guy that can do everything.”
Mack Attack
One of the veteran players hungry for playoff football is Khalil Mack, who mulled retirement after the Chargers' playoff loss to Houston. He ultimately decided to return because he sees promise in the team.
Safety Derwin James has noticed Mack’s renewed intensity.
"He was in the building all offseason," James said. "He really wants it, man."
Mack’s drive was on full display during a situational drill in practice, where the ball was placed on the 30-yard line and the offense had to reach the red zone.
Herbert’s group faced the second-team defense and had to settle for a 33-yard field goal.
Then Trey Lance took the field with the second-team offense against the starting defense. On the first play, Mack swiped past newly signed right tackle Ryan Nelson and touched Lance for what would’ve been an eight-yard loss.
On the very next play, Mack blew past Nelson again and would have recorded a second sack—this time for a six-yard loss—if it were game speed.
“He’s a game wrecker,” James said. “When it's two-minute drive is going along and you need to play, he can go in, rush, get the sack, knock the ball down, and get us off the field. So, just having guys like that, veteran, proven guys, it helps everybody on defense.”
Ysa Garcia - The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers Running Back Omarion Hampton #8 doing running drills during training camp on July 22, 2025 in San Diego, CA.
Injury updates
Left tackle Rashawn Slater hasn’t practiced since the first two days of training camp. Harbaugh hadn’t spoken to the media since the first day so there was some clarity on Slater missing the last three days.
Harbaugh stated that he is “working through something” and added it was “minor.” He didn’t go into detail because he doesn’t have a degree that says he can speak on medical like he reminds the media after every practice.
He also gave an update to running back Najee Harris saying he has been involved in meetings and doing all he can to stay ready. Harbaugh also mention running back Raheim Sanders is dealing with something as well.
The team did sign running back Nyheim Hines, who made some plays on Tuesday afternoon.