The competition for the running back position with the Los Angeles Chargers is still unsettled as the team heads into the final stages of preseason. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman confirmed that the Chargers have not yet finalized their rotation, with decisions expected closer to the start of the regular season.
Roman emphasized the ongoing evaluation, stating,
“Don’t have to make that decision right now,”
and added,
“Just keep working, keep evaluating, keep trying to get better, see how it all fits together when the decision needs to be made.”
This underscores the Chargers’ cautious approach in finalizing key offensive roles while assessing player readiness and performance.
One positive development is the return of running back Najee Harris, who participated fully in drills during Tuesday’s practice after recovering from an eye injury sustained in a fireworks accident on July 4. Harris’s availability remains important for the Chargers’ backfield depth.
Meanwhile, offensive tackle Mekhi Becton has been absent from training camp due to an undisclosed injury. Roman expressed confidence in Becton’s recovery in time for Week 1, though he was careful not to guarantee his game-day status:
“Mekhi’s working through something. He’ll be fine. He’s getting a lot of great meeting time, walkthrough time… not putting anything in concrete.”
This cautious optimism indicates the team is still monitoring his progress closely.
If Harris cannot play in the opener, the Chargers plan to rely on a rotation including Omarion Hampton and at least one other running back yet to be determined. This strategy reflects their flexibility as they assess options heading into the season kickoff.
Jamal Adams Welcomes New Role as Raiders Shift Him to Linebacker
The Las Vegas Raiders have reassigned Jamal Adams from safety to weakside linebacker to better align with their defensive strategy. Adams, returning from a major injury, expressed enthusiasm about the position change and his opportunity to contribute on the field again.
Head coach Pete Carroll, familiar with Adams from their time in Seattle, informed him of the transition directly. Adams recalled the straightforward conversation:
“He straight up told me, ‘You’re going to be in the linebacker room, so get over it.’ So I was just like, ‘Alright, shit, let’s do it. Obviously, I’m just a football player, man. See ball, get ball.’”
His positive mindset highlights his adaptability and commitment.
Carroll praised Adams’s playing style, noting,
“He’s always been so instinctive and so aggressive and such a run-through guy, been a fantastic blitzer over his time. So, I want to put him in a position to do that. He’s jumped right into the WILL spot, and that gives us some flexibility that we’re going to grow with. He looks really good.”
This shift aims to leverage Adams’s strengths in aggression and instincts to enhance the Raiders‘ defense.
Implications for Both Teams as Season Approaches
While the Chargers continue to evaluate their running back options and await key players’ readiness, the Raiders’ defensive adjustment with Jamal Adams signals a strategic move to maximize talent and versatility. How the Chargers manage their backfield rotation will be crucial to their offensive consistency, particularly if injuries persist. Meanwhile, Adams’s linebacker role could provide the Raiders with a more dynamic defensive presence.
These developments are important indicators of each team’s preparations and adaptability as they aim to solidify their rosters for the challenges of the upcoming NFL season.