The Los Angeles Chargers’ first training camp practice felt like a fresh start. Under coach Jim Harbaugh, the team practiced for the first time at their new facility.
They held a ceremonial ribbon cutting for “The Bolt” before Wednesday’s practice, although some final touches are still being completed at the 150,000-square-foot site in El Segundo. Harbaugh compared the feeling of his return to NFL coaching since 2014 to being born.
“It feels like being born, coming out of the womb. Everything is comfortable and safe, and now you’re out under the lights,” Harbaugh said after the 90-minute session.
Before practice, Harbaugh signed autographs for fans. During practice, he moved between two fields and observed closely during team drills to see plays develop.
With the Chargers not wearing pads until Monday, Harbaugh’s priority in the first week is keeping the team injury-free.
“We want to avoid any mishaps during this early stage,” he said. “From my experience, injuries in the first couple of days can be long-term, so we’re being cautious.”
Harbaugh was generally satisfied with practice, but towards the end, he noticed some players taking risks without pads, like diving for overthrown passes or trying to break up potentially interception-prone throws.
Given the Chargers’ shortage of receivers, avoiding injuries like separated shoulders is crucial for the team.
Joshua Palmer, who enters training camp as the Chargers’ most seasoned receiver, made the best catch of the day with a sliding reception during red zone drills, although it might have concerned Harbaugh a bit because Palmer went to the ground to make the catch.
Last season, the Chargers were ranked 30th in the NFLPA report card, with low grades like D-minus for the locker room, F-minus for the training area, and F for nutrition. They spent seven seasons in a converted office building after moving from San Diego.
These ratings are expected to improve with the move to the new facility.
The Chargers now have three full-sized practice fields available, along with a large locker room, training area, and weight room. The cafeteria is managed by Wolfgang Puck Catering and features a pizza oven shaped like a Chargers helmet.
“I’ve been fortunate to be part of two of the best facilities in the nation at Oregon and now here,” quarterback Justin Herbert said. “The weight room, facilities, locker room, everything is top notch.”
