Chargers Preseason Focus: Footwork Fix, Running-Back Growth, and Fullback Insight

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off the preseason with a clear playbook: tighten the quarterback’s footwork, polish the running‑back corps, and bring versatility to the backfield. In the first of a series of in‑depth updates from Footballguys, the team’s coaching staff and roster moves are laid out as training camp rolls into full swing.

At the heart of the offense is Justin Herbert, the franchise quarterback who will now be guided by a brand‑new footwork scheme. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel—who joined the Chargers after stints as the 49ers’ OC in 2021 and the Dolphins’ head coach—has introduced a left‑foot‑forward stance designed to shorten Herbert’s release on short‑range throws. The change is a subtle shift that could translate into faster decision‑making and fewer missed passes. McDaniel’s return also reunites him with former 49ers quarterback Trey Lance, the two of whom have a history of collaboration, and leaves DJ Uiagalelei on the backup list.

Running backs have been a focal point of the camp’s early drills. Omarion Hampton, entering his second season, has quickly become the team’s offensive spark. McDaniel’s run game emphasizes lateral attacks—outside‑zone runs that cut to the edge—and jet‑sweep actions that keep defenders guessing. “From the first day we’ve gotten on the field to Tuesday, you could argue and crown he’s had as much, if not the most growth, of any player,” McDaniel told ESPN, underscoring Hampton’s rapid development.

Keaton Mitchell, a free‑agent signing from Baltimore, has faced challenges, dropping the ball and fumbling in an 11‑on‑11 full‑speed session. Yet McDaniel remains upbeat. “He’s as dynamic as they come with the ball in his hands in space…I think he has a lot of pass‑game value that he hasn’t been able to really represent in his career, but it’s showing so far in camp,” McDaniel said to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Mitchell continues to contribute on special teams alongside kick‑returner Darius Davis, while the team keeps Kimani Vidal as a three‑down backup.

Fullback Alec Ingold joined the Chargers after following McDaniel from Miami, adding depth and flexibility to the run game. Ingold recently penned a reflective piece for The Athletic about lessons learned from mentor Tony Neal, who passed away earlier this year. “You spend literally years of your life on the road to be looked at as a high performer, and you can never get that time back. The plaques don’t sit with you in this room. What I did with my kids, the moments I missed—those are the things that actually matter,” Ingold wrote.

The update series itself offers a meticulous look at every roster spot—from the quarterback room to the special‑teams contributors. It also highlights the strategic shifts the coaching staff is implementing and the tangible progress players are making during camp.

Looking forward, the Chargers plan to keep refining the offense under McDaniel’s guidance. The next steps involve integrating Herbert’s new footwork into live drills, assessing the depth chart during preseason games, and evaluating the running‑back rotation as the schedule unfolds. The preseason fixtures will test the newly adopted schemes and provide a clearer picture of the roster heading into the regular season.

With a focus on both skill refinement and strategic innovation, the Chargers are setting the stage for a competitive campaign that could see Herbert’s quick releases and a dynamic backfield become the keys to success in Los Angeles.