Chargers Training Camp shifted to San Diego — and the pads were on for the first time this year.
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback Justin Herbert and safety Derwin James, Jr. took to the podium at the University of San Diego on Day 5 of Chargers Training Camp.
1. All love for Philip Rivers
Philip Rivers had some big news Monday when he announced that he is retiring as a Charger.
The legendary quarterback, an eight-time Pro Bowler who holds more than 30 franchise records, said he will always cherish his time with the Bolts.
"Gratitude is the first thing that comes to mind. Just thankful. Thankful for my time there as a Charger," Rivers said.
On Tuesday, Harbaugh and Herbert were asked about the franchise legend in their respective press conferences.
Herbert said Rivers' career is the standard that he wants to reach himself.
"Obviously, we know how talented and how special he is, and how much he's meant to this organization," Herbert said. "I grew up watching him and the amount of respect I have for him as a teammate, leader, quarterback, father … he's the prime example.
"He's what every quarterback should look forward to be," Herbert added.
Harbaugh recalled coaching against Rivers and loving the pure joy that the quarterback played with.
"Nothing but the highest respect for Philip Rivers, especially when you play the position," said Harbaugh, a former quarterback. "He's just so good. Just appreciate him in every way.
"The thing that always stands out to me is coaching against Philip, when the 49ers played the Chargers, his enthusiasm for the game, it's right there with Derwin James," Harbaugh added. "His ability to talk during the play, sometimes directly. He's directly to the players, sometimes even directed to me. This guy can really talk smack, is what the young people are saying. And to do it without swearing is just another level of eliteness.
"Tremendous competitor. Everybody in the organization has deep love and appreciation for Philip Rivers. We're excited he's going to retire a Charger," Harbaugh added.
James said with a smile: "I can think of all the times I thought he was saying curse words but he wasn't. But it feels amazing, I love him as a teammate."
James recalled a 2018 road game against the Steelers in which the Chargers trailed 23-7 at halftime before Rivers rallied them by with a monster second half. Rivers threw for 299 yards and two scores in the 33-30 win while posting a 115.4 passer rating.
"I can think back to 2018 in Pittsburgh. It was a Sunday night game and going into the locker room at halftime, we were down," James added. "But I remember going back on the field and saying, 'We're going to win this game.'"
James said he expects Rivers to be invited to Canton, Ohio down the road.
"I look at Rivers … as a Hall of Fame-type guy," James said.
2. Harbaugh returns to San Diego
Harbaugh was at his old stomping grounds Tuesday as the Chargers practiced at the University of San Diego.
Harbaugh served as USD's head coach from 2004 to 2006 before going to Stanford, the 49ers, Michigan and then the Bolts.
He said "the little hairs on my arm were standing up" when the buses rolled up to Torero Stadium just before noon.
Harbaugh's press conference was held in the same room where he gave his first team meeting as the USD head coach.
"The memories are thick as I come driving through and walking in here where I had my first team meeting with my 2004 club," said Harbaugh, who was sporting a USD hat. "I'll never forget that… the nostalgia, the memories are thick. So thick you have to brush them.
"I'm thrilled to be here, this is phenomenal. Our whole organization for bringing this to life. Nowhere I'd rather be. This is awesome," Harbaugh added.
Harbaugh went 29-6 at USD, including a 14-1 record in conference play.
Harbaugh said he jumped at the idea to have two days of practice in San Diego.
"It came from the organization," Harbaugh said. "I heard the idea and said, 'Heck yeah, let's do it. And a suggestion if I might, let's do it at USD.'
"This is about as good as it gets," Harbaugh added.
3. Harbaugh proud of WR room
The news of Mike Williams’ retirement came shortly after Harbaugh last spoke to reporters during the opening practice of Chargers training camp.
The Chargers Head Coach gave his reaction on Tuesday, adding his support for the 30-year-old Williams.
"Excited to see what Mike is going to do with the next chapter of his life," Harbaugh said. "Unexpected, but Mike's just a great guy, great player and he's given a lot to the game.
"You just support him, support somebody in what you think personally, professionally best for them," Harbaugh added. "I can't wait to see what Mike's going to do with the next chapter."
And since his retirement, all eyes have been on the wide receiver competition that has been heating up.
The role left behind by Williams leaves plenty of opportunities on the table for the rest of the position group — and they've been seizing it so far.
Harbaugh spoke glowingly about the core as it stands, including singling out the two who have been firing on all cylinders during this early portion of camp.
"We're really fired up with our receiver group. We think we are better," Harbaugh said. "[Wide receiver coach] Sanjay Lal [is] doing an incredible job coaching them up, and we brought some players that are really acquitting themselves well.
"I think you've probably seen it in practice. Quentin [Johnston] and Ladd [McConkey] are playing at an elite level," Harbaugh added.
McConkey has flashed his rapport with Justin Herbert on a number of occasions and Johnston has been able to become a big play machine during the first couple of days.
It's safe to say the two have stuck out for Harbaugh so far.
"Quentin is doing just, every part of his game is elite," Harbaugh said. "Ladd's even better than he was last year.
"It's going to sound like hyperbole, but it's not," Harbaugh added. "He's uncoverable right now by one guy, that's awesome.
There will be plenty to sort out by the time Week 1 rolls around, but Harbaugh has seen good things from the position.
"Jalen Reagor is doing good, Tre' Harris popping every single day," Harbaugh said. "[KeAndre Lambert-Smith] is on the scene and doing great things.
"It's a really competitive room, it's a great room," Harbaugh added. "We'll just keep chipping away at it, but we're heading in the right direction."
4. Harris "progressing" from eye injury
The newest Chargers running back was out on the practice field during Day 5 of camp.
The team signed Nyheim Hines prior to practice on Tuesday, adding to the backfield depth during camp.
Harbaugh talked about the newest addition prior to practice.
"A great competitor, he's shown that," Harbaugh said about Hines. "Felt like with four running backs practicing right now, competitor welcome there. Also on the level of what he's done in the game, been pretty darn good."
Hines, a 2018 fourth round pick, has rushed for 1,202 career yards and 10 touchdowns on 306 carries as well as hauled in 240 catches for 1,778 yards and eight scores.
The 28-year-old has not played since the 2022 season as he recovered from a leg injury but spent time with Cleveland in 2024.
"To be out of the game for two years, I just think about the grueling rehab that's gone in to the place he's in now," Harbaugh said. "Watching him in his workout, really need to be a part of that.
"I know there's challenges and great days ahead for him and our team," Harbaugh added. "Excited to be going through with him."
The signing of Hines comes at time when the Chargers are dealing with some running backs who are sidelined.
Najee Harris remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list after the running back "sustained a superficial eye injury" during a fireworks mishap on July 4.
Harbaugh said that while he has no update, Harris has been as involved as he can.
"Najee is doing good. Progressing," Harbaugh said of Harris. "Better today than yesterday and hopefully better tomorrow than today. Been in meetings, been doing all that he can, he's doing everything he can. Praying for healing."
He later added: "Just approaching it better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today. He's healing and doing everything he can."
Harbaugh also provided an update on undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders, who has also not suited up over the last couple of practices.
"He's working through something," Harbaugh said. "We'll just see where it goes.
"A week was kind of the time frame thrown out," he added.
5. An update on Slater
Harbaugh also had an update on Rashawn Slater.
"He's working through something," Harbaugh said.
The tackle was not on the practice field again on Tuesday in San Diego while he works back from something "physically."
While he did not put a timetable on his return, the Head Coach said it was "minor."
"That's how it's been categorized," Harbaugh said.
