What was expected to be a routine non-padded training camp session on Wednesday at the University of San Diego turned into something far more revealing for the Los Angeles Chargers. With veteran wideout Jalen Reagor sidelined due to a lower-body tweak suffered the day prior, opportunity knocked—and a group of young receivers answered.
Rookies Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith capitalized on expanded roles with the first-team offense, delivering a string of eye-opening plays that may have altered the depth chart conversation just five practices into camp.
“They’re getting better and better every day,” said rookie receiver Ladd McConkey. “You come in during OTAs and you’re running around with your head cut off and have no idea what’s going on … but now you can see them starting to play more fast and more free. Then the athletic ability and the playmaking ability comes out.”
Harris Makes His Case
Tre Harris, the Chargers’ second-round pick out of Ole Miss, had already been getting reps with the ones, but Wednesday gave him a chance to stand out. On a fourth-and-4, with Justin Herbert at quarterback, Harris ran a sharp out route to the left sideline and came down with a 15-yard gain to move the chains. Earlier in the session, Harris failed to come up with a contested slant against Ja’Sir Taylor, but overall, his performance reflected a receiver growing into the system.
Lambert-Smith Steals the Show
If Harris was steady, Chargers fifth-rounder KeAndre Lambert-Smith was sensational.
The Penn State product, who missed most of the spring due to injury, flashed elite body control and deep-ball tracking. In a 7-on-7 period, Lambert-Smith elevated over corner Deane Leonard on a slightly underthrown go ball from quarterback Trey Lance, making a twisting, high-pointed grab that drew loud cheers from the packed stands.
Moments later, in 11-on-11 action, Lambert-Smith hauled in another big gain—this time a 30-plus yard back-shoulder catch on fourth-and-5, again from Lance, this time against Cam Hart.
“He made a couple of adjustments today on the ball that you can’t coach,” said offensive coordinator Greg Roman. “He’s doing a really good job.”
Lambert-Smith added a third catch on an out route, again beating Leonard. After missing OTAs, the 6-foot-1 wideout is quickly proving why the Chargers were so high on his upside.
“We didn’t have a whole lot of time with him in the spring,” Roman said. “But right now, I’m really fired up about his progress.”
A Crowded, Open Competition
With Mike Williams retiring and Reagor’s status uncertain, the competition for targets beyond McConkey and Quentin Johnston remains wide open. Johnston had a drop in 7-on-7s Wednesday, an issue that has lingered since his rookie season despite reported offseason improvement.
But Johnston isn’t the only player feeling pressure. Undrafted free agent Dalevon Campbell—who dropped a touchdown in Saturday’s session—rebounded with one of Tuesday’s best plays, catching a 30-yard touchdown from Herbert in traffic.
“He continues to get reps with the first team,” reported Daniel Popper of The Athletic. “He proved worthy of those snaps.”
The raw but athletic Campbell, who played at Illinois, Nevada, and South Carolina across six college seasons, remains a long shot—but his flashes are impossible to ignore.
More Than Just Receivers Making Waves
Rookie running back Omarion Hampton also drew cheers after breaking a 10-yard run in Wednesday’s non-padded practice. Tight ends Tyler Conklin and Stevo Klotz both made difficult, lunging catches as well.
But no position group has been under the microscope like the wide receivers—especially with Roman and head coach Jim Harbaugh aiming to build a physical, explosive offense that can convert consistently in the red zone.
Last season, the Chargers ranked just 17th in red zone touchdown efficiency. The development of these young pass catchers could be the key to reversing that trend.
A Successful Homecoming—and a Look Ahead
Beyond the on-field competition, the Chargers’ two-day return to San Diego—eight years after leaving the city—was framed as a success. Over 8,000 fans attended Wednesday’s practice, many decked out in the team’s updated jerseys. Quarterback Justin Herbert spent nearly an hour each day signing autographs, joined by teammates Derwin James, Daiyan Henley, and others.
“It’s beautiful to be here,” Henley said. “We’re in SD, the love is here.”
The trip culminated in a team visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln, where players met with military personnel and conducted a walkthrough onboard.
Now, the Chargers return to their El Segundo headquarters for three more practices before a scheduled off day Sunday. But what transpired in San Diego—particularly among the rookie receivers—may resonate well beyond this week.
If Reagor’s injury lingers, Lambert-Smith and Harris may not just be camp darlings. They could be part of the Chargers’ offensive blueprint come Week 1.
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