It's now 20 days of Chargers Training Camp down as the Bolts held a non-padded, hourlong practice on Thursday.
Justin Herbert will make his preseason debut as Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Thursday morning that all starters — save for Derwin James, Jr. and Khalil Mack — will play Saturday against the Rams.
That meant the second and third-team groups saw the majority of action in Thursday's practice.
Kickoff against the Rams is at 4 p.m. (PT) at SoFi Stadium.
Here is the Chargers Camp Report from Thursday practice:
1. Henley ready for preseason action
Daiyan Henley is ready to roll for his first game action of 2025.
The Chargers linebacker, of course, is one of the defensive starters slated to suit up on Saturday in a group that features everyone except Khalil Mack or Derwin James, Jr.
After making it known in recent weeks he wanted to get his shot in game reps, he's fired up for the opportunity no matter how long he plays.
"I was begging to play these last few preseason games and that's just because it's been a minute since I got to hit somebody with real bad intentions," Henley said on Thursday. "I'm excited they let me out there to go out there to have that type of fun.
"However long they give me, if they can give me more I'll take it because at the end of the day, it's ball," Henley added. "Whenever we get that opportunity to do what we love to do, it's exciting."
A year ago, Henley was battling to become one of the Chargers starting linebackers.
Now, the third-year player is fully entrenched there and making plays during camp, including Wednesday's session that saw him notch a pick 6.
But whether he's the starter or not, Henley is focused on approaching it all the same.
"I treat it all the same," Henley said. "For me personally, I've already told myself it doesn't matter what's going on with my situation. If I get too high or too low on it, things can change. I'm trying to stay even keeled and treat every situation the same."
He later added: "I treat it with that same type of energy and enthusiasm because if you get complacent, you start to fall off. I treat it all the same for me personally."
Not to mention, Saturday's game without Mack and James gives him an opportunity to grow in more ways than one.
Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said Wednesday he was putting Henley into more of a leadership role, and Saturday's game will be a chance for him to further that without the two superstars on the field.
"I feel like to be considered a leader you have to do it whether they're present or they're not," Henley said. "Just to have the moments where they're not here and to step up and be that guy is something I'm chasing this year. Being dependable in all facets. On the field and off the field."
"We know how long this season is, for us it's even longer with the extra preseason game, so we don't know who's going to be here or who's not going to be here," he later added. "We just have to be able to be that team that's consistent all the way."
2. A look at the O-lines
With Herbert slated to start, that means the Chargers will also roll out their current starting group up front.
That group at Thursday's session feature, from left to right, Joe Alt, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Jamaree Salyer and Trey Pipkins III.
The next group, from left to right, was David Sharpe, Branson Taylor, Andre James, Karsen Barnhart and Corey Stewart.
The third group consisted of Sharpe, Nash Jones, Josh Kaltenberger, Ryan Nelson and Stewart.
Right guard Mekhi Becton did not practice for the Bolts.
3. St-Juste making plays
Keep an eye on Benjamin St-Juste as the cornerback is starting to surge a bit.
St-Juste, an offseason free agent acquisition, had a pass breakup and also notched a tackle for loss in Thursday's session.
He is in the starting cornerback rotation that also features Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, the latter of which did not practice Thursday.
